The BEEHAVE(ecotox) Model—Integrating a Mechanistic Effect Module into the Honeybee Colony Model

Mechanistic effect models are powerful tools for extrapolating from laboratory studies to field conditions. For bees, several good models are available that can simulate colony dynamics. Controlled and reliable experimental systems are also available to estimate the inherent toxicity of pesticides to individuals. However, there is currently no systematic and mechanistic way of linking the output of experimental ecotoxicological testing to bee models for bee risk assessment. We introduce an ecotoxicological module that mechanistically links exposure with the hazard profile of a pesticide for individual honeybees so that colony effects emerge. This mechanistic link allows the translation of results from standard laboratory studies to relevant parameters and processes for simulating bee colony dynamics. The module was integrated into the state‐of‐the‐art honeybee model BEEHAVE. For the integration, BEEHAVE was adapted to mechanistically link the exposure and effects on different cohorts to colony dynamics. The BEEHAVE(ecotox) model was tested against semifield (tunnel) studies, which were deemed the best study type to test whether BEEHAVE(ecotox) predicted realistic effect sizes under controlled conditions. Two pesticides used as toxic standards were chosen for this validation to represent two different modes of action: acute mortality of foragers and chronic brood effects. The ecotoxicological module was able to predict effect sizes in the tunnel studies based on information from standard laboratory tests. In conclusion, the BEEHAVE(ecotox) model is an excellent tool to be used for honeybee risk assessment, interpretation of field and semifield studies, and exploring the efficiency of different mitigation measures. The principles for exposure and effect modules are portable and could be used for any well‐constructed honeybee model. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2870–2882. © 2022 Bayer AG & Sygenta, et al. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.