The effect of intrinsic physiological traits on diapause survival and their underlying mechanisms in an annual bee speciesBombus impatiens

Insects can use diapause to cope with extremes in seasonal environments. However, diapause is a physiologically demanding life stage that can result in mortality. Here we used an annual social bee, Bombus impatiens, to examine how mass, age, nutrient acquisition and oxidative stress predict winter diapause survival and propose recommendations for conservation strategies.