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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Gender identification of five genera of stingless bees (Apidae, Meliponini) based on wing morphology

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Author(s):
Francoy, T. M. [1] ; Silva, R. A. O. [1] ; Nunes-Silva, P. [1] ; Menezes, C. [1] ; Imperatriz-Fonseca, V. L. [1, 2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Genetics and Molecular Research; v. 8, n. 1, p. 207-214, 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 23
Abstract

Currently, the identification of pollinators is a critical necessity of conservation programs. After it was found that features extracted from patterns of wing venation are sufficient to discriminate among insect species, various studies have focused on this structure. We examined wing venation patterns of males and workers of five stingless bee species in order to determine if there are differences between sexes and if these differences are greater within than between species. Geometric morphometric analyses were made of the forewings of males and workers of Nannotrigona testaceicornis, Melipona quadrifasciata, Frieseomelitta varia, and Scaptotrigona aff. depilis and Plebeia remota. The patterns of males and workers from the same species were more similar than the patterns of individuals of the same sex from different species, and the patterns of both males and workers, when analyzed alone, were sufficiently different to distinguish among these five species. This demonstrates that we can use this kind of analysis for the identification of stingless bee species and that the sex of the individual does not impede identification. Computer-assisted morphometric analysis of bee wing images can be a useful tool for biodiversity studies and conservation programs. (AU)

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