Hybridization and asymmetric introgression between Tetragonisca angustula and Tetragonisca fiebrigi

Author(s)

Francisco, Flavio O. ^{[1, 2]} ; Santiago, Leandro R. ^[1] ; Brito, Rute M. ^{[2, 3]} ; Oldroyd, Benjamin P. ^[2] ; Arias, Maria C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Genet & Biol Evolut, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sydney, Sch Biol Sci A12, Behav & Genet Social Insects Lab, Sydney, NSW 2006 - Australia

^[3] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Inst Genet & Bioquim, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Apidologie; v. 45, n. 1, p. 1-9, JAN 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 14

Abstract

The broadly distributed Neotropical stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula was once regarded as having two subspecies, T. angustula angustula and T. angustula fiebrigi. In a recent taxonomic revision, these subspecies were elevated to species status (T. angustula and Tetragonisca fiebrigi) based on morphology and distribution. While molecular studies show two well-delineated subgroups within the Tetragonisca, they are inconclusive as to whether there is gene flow between T. angustula and T. fiebrigi. We characterize 1,003 specimens from southern and southeastern Brazil using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analysis and demonstrate that there is ongoing hybridization and introgression between T. angustula and T. fiebrigi and suggest that they may be better regarded as subspecies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/08546-4 - Genetic structure of island and mainland populations of bees from Atlantic Forest
• Grantee: Flávio de Oliveira Francisco
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 04/15801-0 - Biodiversity and sustainable use of pollinators, with emphasis on Meliponini bees
• Grantee: Vera Lucia Imperatriz-Fonseca
• Support type: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants