Bumblebees are regularly exported to countries outside their native range for the purposes of commercial pollination. In contrast to the tight regulations imposed on biological control introductions, the movement of bumblebees has largely been without risk assessment. This study represents the first formal assessment of establishment risk for Bombus terrestris dalmatinus in the UK. The ability of workers to survive winter conditions is seen as the primary barrier to establishment, given the year-round colony activity of this sub-species. We use standardised cold tolerance indices as outlined by the EU policy support action ‘REBECA’ as well as assessing rapid cold hardening (RCH) ability. Cold tolerance was comparable to that of the UK-native Bombus terrestris audax, including a strong RCH response. Results suggest that B. t. dalmatinus could survive mild UK winters in southern areas and potentially displace B. t. audax. The implications of ongoing climate change on establishment risks are discussed.

中文翻译：

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商业进口大黄蜂 Bombus terrestris dalmatinus 的定居风险——它们能在英国过冬吗？

出于商业授粉的目的，大黄蜂经常被出口到其原产地以外的国家。与生物防治引入的严格规定相反，大黄蜂的移动基本上没有经过风险评估。这项研究是对英国白熊熊 (Bombus terrestris dalmatinus) 定居风险的首次正式评估。考虑到该亚种全年的群体活动，工蚁在冬季条件下生存的能力被视为定居的主要障碍。我们使用欧盟政策支持行动“REBECA”概述的标准化耐冷指数以及评估快速冷硬化 (RCH) 能力。耐寒性与英国本土的 Bombus terrestris audax 相当，包括强烈的 RCH 反应。结果表明 B. t. dalmatinus 可以在英国南部地区温和的冬季中生存，并有可能取代 B. t. 奥达克斯。讨论了持续的气候变化对企业风险的影响。