Evolution of queen cuticular hydrocarbons and worker reproduction in stingless bees

Author(s)

Nunes, Tulio M. ^{[1, 2]} ; Oldroyd, Benjamin P. ^[2] ; Elias, Larissa G. ^[3] ; Mateus, Sidnei ^[3] ; Turatti, Izabel C. ^[1] ; Lopes, Norberto P. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Fis & Quim, FCFRP, NPPNS, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sydney, Behav & Genet Social Insects Lab, Macleay Bldg A12, Sydney, NSW 2006 - Australia

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, FFCLRP, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION; v. 1, n. 7 JUL 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 8

Abstract

Social insect queen pheromones can be interpreted as the queen's means of sterilizing her workers, or as an honest signal of queen presence that benefits both parties. Co-mapping worker reproduces behaviour and queen cuticular hydrocarbon (CH) composition and quantity on a phytogeny of 21 stingless bee species showed that there are no associations between these traits. Furthermore, three species that have independently evoked facultative worker sterility are unexceptional in their queen CH. Combined, our analysis suggests that the action of stingless bee queen CHs are best interpreted as a signal of queen presence and not as a chemical contraceptive. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/09263-4 - The evolution of queen pheromones in stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini)
• Grantee: Túlio Marcos Nunes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 14/50265-3 - Distribution and metabolism of natural and synthetic xenobiotics: from the comprehension of reactional process to tissue imaging generation
• Grantee: Norberto Peporine Lopes
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/01918-1 - Role of the venom gland in fig wasps larval biology (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)
• Grantee: Larissa Galante Elias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral