Inbreeding and building up small populations of stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

Abstract

AB STRACT. A study of the viability of smal l populations of Hymenoptera is a matter of importance to gain a better zoological, ethological, genetical and ecological knowledge of these insects, and for conservati on purposes, mainl y because of the consequences to the survival of colonies of many species of bees, wasps, and ants. Based on the WHmNG ( 1943) principle, KERR & VENCOVSKJ ( 1982) presented a hypothesis that states that viable populations of stingless bees (Me liponini) should have at least 40 colonies to survive. This number was later extended to 44 colonies by KERR ( 1985). This wo uld be necessary to avoid any substantial amount of homozygosis in the pair o f chromosomic sexual loci, by keeping at least six different sex ual gene alleles in a reproducti ve populati on. In most cases this would prevent the producti on of useless diploid males. However, several facts weigh against considering this as a general rule. From 1990 to 200 1, 287 colony di visions were made, starting with 28 foundation co lonies, in the inbreeding and population experiments with the Meliponini reported here. These experiments constitute the most extensive and longest scientific research ever made with Meliponini bees. In ten di ffe re nt experiments presented here, seven species (one with two subspecies) of Meli ponini bees were inbred in fi ve localities inside the ir wide-reachi ng nati ve habitats, and in two localities far away from these habitats. Thi s was done fo r several years. On the whole, the nu mber of colonies increased and the loss of coloni es overthe years was smal l. In two of these experiments, al though these populations were far ( 1,000 km and 1,200 km) from their nati ve habitat, their foundati on colonies were multiplied successful y. It was possible to bui ld up seven strong and three expanding medium populations, starting with one, two, three or e ven fi ve colonies. However, in six other cases examined here, the WHmNG ( 1943) principl e and the hypothesis of KERR & VENCOVS KI ( 1982) and KERR (1985), possibly hold up . In two other cases, the results are still unclear. Outside native habitats, most inbreeding experiments failed, possibly because of conditions that cause ecological stress. Although much more data are still needed, a new working hypothesis on the molec ul ar level was presented to explain the results of the experiments described here. In the absence of any considerable stress, and in the eventual ity of a good nutritive situation, even indi vidual bees that are homozygous in the pai r of chromosomic sexual locus would prod uce a sufficient amount of a sex determining substance. Therefore, the female genes of all the diploid indi viduals of a colony, both homozygous and heterozygo us, wou ld be activated. However, situations of considerable stress wo ul d cause a poor physiological and nutritive condition. Th.is, togethe r with homozygos is in the pair of chromosomi c sexual loc us, would lead to a s maller production of the sex determining substance. When thi s happens in the dipl o...

Global meliponiculture: challenges and opportunities

“…Theories of genetic variability (Kerr and Vencovski, 1982;Kerr, 1985) predicted that to successfully breed stingless bees it was necessary to have at least 44 colonies, to avoid diploid males created by excessive inbreeding in the population. From 1990, Nogueira-Neto (2002 performed 287 colony divisions, starting with 28 foundress colonies. Seven species of stingless bees (and one subspecies) were inbred in five localities inside their extensive native habitats, and in two localities far from these habitats.…”

Genetic Diversity and Structure ofSyagrus romanzoffiana(Cham.) Glassman (Arecaceae) in Southern Brazil

“…Factors contributing to these population dynamics may be explained by relationships with pollinators. According to Nogueira-Neto (2002), pollination of S. romanzoffiana is carried out by Apis mel ıfera, several species of the tribe Meliponini, and Jata ı bees attracted by its flowers containing abundant pollen, in addition to species of Coleoptera that reproduce in the flowers of the palm tree and consequently contribute to dispersal. Moreover, large mammals are also important dispersers as they normally occupy large areas.…”

Engaging indigenous and academic knowledge on bees in the Amazon: implications for environmental management and transdisciplinary research

“…Stingless bees are also named meliponines, since most of them belong to the Meliponini tribe in the Apidae family. They play a fundamental role in the maintenance of biodiversity in the tropics, and are responsible for the pollination of some 80 % of tropical plant species [ 34 ]. Brazilian ecosystems host around 5,000 species of native bees, which is nearly 20 % of the world’s bee diversity [ 35 ].…”

“…Apiculture and meliponiculture (keeping of stingless bees) are promising market-oriented economic alternatives for indigenous peoples and other traditional societies. Besides the economic benefits from increasing market opportunities for bee products, meliponiculture can generate important information to be used in the conservation of native bee species around the world [ 34 , 36 , 37 ].…”