Non-lethal method of DNA sampling in euglossine bees supported by mark-recapture experiments and microsatellite genotyping

Author(s)

Oi, Cintia Akemi ^[1] ; Lopez-Uribe, Margarita M. ^[2] ; Cervini, Marcelo ^[3] ; Del Lama, Marco Antonio ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Genet & Evolucao, Lab Genet Evolut Himenopteros, BR-13565905 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Cornell Univ, Dept Entomol, Ithaca, NY 14853 - USA

^[3] Univ Estadual Sudoeste Bahia, Dept Ciencias Biol, BR-45206510 Jequie, BA - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION; v. 17, n. 5, p. 1071-1079, OCT 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Non-lethal sampling methods are of great interest for conservation genetic studies to prevent the death of individuals in populations that are threatened or in decline. With this aim, we tested a non-lethal method of partial antennae removal for DNA sampling in two euglossine bee species: Euglossa cordata and Eulaema nigrita. We validated the survival of the individuals through mark-recapture experiments during 16 months. The quality and quantity of the tissue for DNA analysis was verified through amplification and genotyping of nine and eleven microsatellite loci, respectively. Our results from the mark-recapture experiments showed equal recapture rates of individuals with intact and removed antennae (E. cordata chi(2) = 2.492, df = 1, p = 0.114; E. nigrita chi(2) = 1.683, df = 1, p = 0.194). Microsatellite loci were successfully genotyped in 97.1 and 97.6 % of the E. cordata and E. nigrita individuals, respectively. Our results validate the feasibility of using antennae tissue for DNA genetic analysis without compromising the survival of individual bees. (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