Genetic variability in captive populations of the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula

Author(s)

Santiago, Leandro R. ; Francisco, Flavio O. ; Jaffe, Rodolfo ; Arias, Maria C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Genetica; v. 144, n. 4, p. 397-405, AUG 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Low genetic variability has normally been considered a consequence of animal husbandry and a major contributing factor to declining bee populations. Here, we performed a molecular analysis of captive and wild populations of the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula, one of the most commonly kept species across South America. Microsatellite analyses showed similar genetic variability between wild and captive populations However, captive populations showed lower mitochondrial genetic variability. Male-mediated gene flow, transport and division of nests are suggested as the most probable explanations for the observed patterns of genetic structure. We conclude that increasing the number of colonies kept through nest divisions does not negatively affect nuclear genetic variability, which seems to be maintained by small-scale male dispersal and human-mediated nest transport. However, the transport of nests from distant localities should be practiced with caution given the high genetic differentiation observed between samples from western and eastern areas. The high genetic structure verified is the result of a long-term evolutionary process, and bees from distant localities may represent unique evolutionary lineages. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/08546-4 - Genetic structure of island and mainland populations of bees from Atlantic Forest
• Grantee: Flávio de Oliveira Francisco
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 12/13200-5 - Promoting meliponiculture to achieve rural sustainable development
• Grantee: Rodolfo Jaffé Ribbi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 04/15801-0 - Biodiversity and sustainable use of pollinators, with emphasis on Meliponini bees
• Grantee: Vera Lucia Imperatriz-Fonseca
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants