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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.)

Heterochrony of cuticular differentiation in eusocial corbiculate bees

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Author(s):
Elias-Neto, Moyses [1] ; Nascimento, Ana L. O. [1] ; Bonetti, Ana M. [2] ; Nascimento, Fabio S. [1] ; Mateus, Sidnei [1] ; Garofalo, Carlos A. [1] ; Bitondi, Marcia M. G. [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol, BR-14040901 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Inst Genet & Bioquim, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Apidologie; v. 45, n. 4, p. 397-408, JUL 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

The exoskeleton (cuticle) of insects varies widely in shape, biomechanical properties, and functions, which are inherent to the biological species and developmental stage, besides showing a wealth of architectural specializations and nuances in the different body regions. The morphological pattern of exoskeleton maturation was studied in eusocial and solitary bees, including species of all three eusocial tribes of corbiculate bees as follows: Apini, Meliponini, and Bombini. The results showed striking differences in the rate of cuticle maturation between the solitary bees that leave the nest soon after the adult ecdysis, and the eusocial bees that take longer to leave the colony for foraging activities. There was a clear delay in the post-ecdysial cuticle tanning (melanization and sclerotization) in the eusocial bee species in comparison to the solitary species, suggesting adaptation to sociality and to the protective environment of the colony. Such heterochrony of cuticle maturation seems a conserved ontogenetic trait related to the way of life in corbiculate bees. The data generated a basic framework of exoskeleton maturation in corbiculate bees, under ontogenetic and evolutionary approaches, and give experimental support for further research on adaptation to the colony environment. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/09108-6 - Determination of the wing identity in Blattella germanica (Dictyoptera, Blattellidae)
Grantee:Moysés Elias Neto
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 07/08300-2 - Differentiation of adult in corbiculate bees: heterochrony of cuticular morphogenesis and secondary sources of ecdisteroids
Grantee:Moysés Elias Neto
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 10/16380-9 - Molecular genetics and hormonal regulation of exoskeleton differentiation in an insect model, Apis mellifera
Grantee:Marcia Maria Gentile Bitondi
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 05/03926-5 - Functional genomics of Apis mellifera: search for new genes and functional networks in the context of development, different castes and reproduction
Grantee:Zilá Luz Paulino Simões
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants