Gene Variation, Population Differentiation, and Sociogenetic Structure of Nests of Partamona seridoensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini)

Author(s)

Moura Fernandes, Carlo Rivero ^[1] ; Martins, Celso Feitosa ^[1] ; Ferreira, Katia Maria ^[2] ; Del Lama, Marco Antonio ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Paraiba, Dept Sistemat & Ecol, BR-58059900 Joao Pessoa, Paraiba - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Genet & Evolucao, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOCHEMICAL GENETICS; v. 50, n. 5-6, p. 325-335, JUN 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 9

Abstract

Gene variation and the differentiation of two populations of (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) from the Caatinga biome, a semiarid ecosystem unique to Brazil, were estimated through allozymic and microsatellite analyses. These populations exhibited similar low degrees of enzyme gene variation. Observed genotype frequencies at the allozyme and microsatellite loci were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the two populations. Both markers demonstrated that the two populations are not genetically homogeneous and must be considered distinct populations. The occurrence of private alleles at the allozyme and microsatellite loci corroborates this differentiation, sustaining the hypothesis of a low level of interpopulation gene flow. The phenotypic segregations clearly demonstrated that the progeny inside each nest were the result of mating between the queen of the colony and only one male. (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