Bumblebee Acute Contact Toxicity Test (OECD TG 246)
The Bumblebee Acute Contact Toxicity Test according to OECD TG 246 is designed to assess the short-term toxic effects of chemicals on adult bumblebees (Bombus spp.) via direct topical exposure. This test provides critical information for evaluating potential risks to pollinators, which are essential for ecosystem health and agricultural productivity.
In this study, adult worker bumblebees are exposed to a range of concentrations of the test substance applied directly to the dorsal thorax under controlled laboratory conditions. Observations are conducted over a 48-hour period to monitor mortality and behavioral changes, such as abnormal movement or grooming.
The primary endpoint is mortality, which is used to determine the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) or concentration (LC₅₀) causing death in 50% of the test bees. Sublethal effects may also be recorded to provide additional insight into chemical impacts on bee health.
This test is an essential component of pollinator risk assessment, supporting regulatory evaluation of plant protection products and other chemicals that may come into contact with bumblebees.
