When a substance causes effects to an organism, which do not kill it and do not directly impair its reproduction, but affect it otherwise, e.g. by inducing changes in behavior, feeding, digestion, orientation capability, lifespan, sensitivity to pathogens, etc., this is referred to as sublethal effects. Sublethal effects are not necessarily, but can be adverse effects, and it is a widespread assumption that most sublethal effects in some way will have negative consequences, which in some cases ultimately may in fact be lethal. Sublethal effects can be caused by any kind of substance when it is administered at an exposure dose between NOEC and LDx. However, since sublethal effects have only selectively been investigated in ecotoxicology, they are usually associated with certain substance classes.

By means of comparative analysis, effects of the sublethal treatment in individual bees will be identified, and buffer and compensation mechanisms will be identified which prevent sublethal effects of individuals from leading to effects at colony level.