Fatty acids profile in the honeybee: metabolic pathways, stressor interactions, and analytical approaches

Abstract Fatty acids play a crucial role in the metabolic activities, health, cognitive development, and behaviors of honeybees. The primary source of fatty acids for honeybees is the pollen consumed, though they can also produce specific fatty acids through de novo synthesis. Among the saturated fatty acids in honeybees, palmitic and stearic acids are the most abundant, while common unsaturated fatty acids include oleic, eicosenoic, palmitoleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, which are present in various body parts and tissues. The composition and concentration of these fatty acids can be influenced by multiple biotic and abiotic factors such as developmental stage, nutrition, pathogens, season, temperature, sanitation conditions, industrial pollution, pesticides, and radiation. Therefore, monitoring the fatty acid profile of honeybees can be used as a bioindicator for monitoring the environmental conditions and the health status, enabling management actions that could improve honeybee sustainability. This study aims to provide foundational knowledge on the fatty acids identified in honeybees, examining their physiological roles, the impact of environmental stressors, and the analytical techniques used to determine their composition.