High mitochondrial DNA diversity and lack of population structure in a solitary cavity-nesting bee in an urban landscape

Author(s)

Luna-Lucena, Danielle ; Moure-Oliveira, Diego ; Ferreira, Katia M. ; Lucena, Daercio A. A. ; Garofalo, Carlos A. ; Moraes, Evandro M. ; Del Lama, Marco A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society; v. 121, n. 3, p. 564-575, JUL 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Human impacts are believed to be the main cause of the marked decline in bee populations around the world. The ongoing expansion of the urban landscape has created obstacles to the establishment of some bee species, including those that are important pollinators. However, Centris (Hemisiella) tarsata is frequently found in urban landscapes in South America and is considered a keystone species in pollination programmes. Despite the importance of this species, there are no previous studies on the genetic diversity and population structure of C. tarsata. In the present study, four mitochondrial genes (cytb, COI, 16S and 12S) were analysed in 189 individuals from 16 localities in Brazil. The analysis of the concatenated gene sequences (2058 bp) revealed high haplotype variability at each sampling site. Ninety-nine highly similar haplotypes were found and no differentiation among populations was detected. Two haplotypes were shared by most sites, whereas 77 were locally restricted. The star-like haplotype network and expansion tests indicate that C. tarsata populations underwent expansion during the late Pleistocene. The present results and the high potential of the species for dispersal lend support to this marked population expansion. Overall, the findings indicate that this solitary bee is potentially capable of maintaining high levels of genetic diversity in the urban landscape. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/21501-2 - Bee population genetics and the extinction vortex of the Hymenoptera
• Grantee: Marco Antonio Del Lama
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants