Defensive Behavior and Morphometric Variation in Apis mellifera Colonies From Two Different Agro-Ecological Zones of North-Western Argentina

Abstract

European lineages of Apis mellifera were first introduced into America for beekeeping purposes. A subsequent introduction and accidental release of A. m. scutellata resulted in hybridization events that gave rise to Africanized populations that rapidly spread throughout the continent. In Argentina, Africanized honey bees (AHBs) have been mostly detected in northern regions of the territory, and represent a valuable genetic resource for the selection of stocks with advantageous characteristics for beekeeping. The objective of the present study was to profile honey bee colonies of wild origin with potential beneficial traits for apiculture using morphological, molecular and behavioral traits. Honey bee colonies chosen for evaluation were located in two different agro-ecological regions in north-western Argentina (Tucumán province): The Chaco Depressed Plain (Leales apiary) and the Piedmont (Famaillá apiary). Each apiary was surveyed three times during the 2017–2018 season (mid-season, wintertime, and early spring) for: brood population, phoretic Varroa level and defensive behavior (run, fly, sting, and hang). At the midpoint of the beekeeping season colonies were also characterized by morphometry (45 variables) and mitochondrial haplotypes (COI–COII intergenic region). Apiaries studied showed similar patterns throughout the beekeeping season, for most of the characteristics monitored. However, significant variation in defensive behavior parameters was found between apiaries at the different times of evaluation. Twelve of 45 morphometric variables also showed significant differences between apiaries. The mitochondrial haplotype analysis revealed a high representation of African A4 and A1 haplotypes (91%) in both apiaries. Haplotype variation was associated with morphometric and behavioral traits. Multivariate analyses [principal component analysis (PCA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA)] including morphometric and behavior variables explained 65.3% (PCA) and 48.1% (PCoA) of the variability observed between colonies in the first two components. Several morphometric parameters and “fly” behavior were mainly associated with the separation of the colonies. The results from this study point to a possible association between morphometric and behavioral variation and the adaptation of honey bee colonies to differential agro-ecological conditions. We discuss how the detected variation between apiaries can be used for the selection and preservation of honey bee ecotypes in regional breeding programs.

Morphometric and genetic characterization as tools for selection of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) stocks in an area of natural hybridization in Argentina

“…The variability found in the morphotypes that we analyzed is consistent with previously obtained results in managed populations in Argentina ( 29 , 47 ). In transition areas between European and Africanized populations, where gene flow is extensive, differences at the mitochondrial, nuclear, and morphometric levels are generally observed because they represent hybrid zones ( 31 , 32 ).…”

“…The variability found in the morphotypes that we analyzed is consistent with previously obtained results in managed populations in Argentina (29,47). In transition areas between European and Africanized populations, where gene flow is A. m. mellifera = blue and A. m. scutellata = purple).…”

A review of stingless bees' bioactivity in different parts of the world

“…Meliponiculture focuses on stingless bees and has been widely used, being an attractive element of indigenous cultures in many locations. Due to various circumstances, the slow and catastrophic fall of meliponiculture has been inescapable since the 16 th century [ 58 , 59 ]. Events such as the accidental release of A. m. scutellata cause the spread of Africanized population, which affects the A. mellifera European lineages [ 59 ].…”

“…Due to various circumstances, the slow and catastrophic fall of meliponiculture has been inescapable since the 16 th century [ 58 , 59 ]. Events such as the accidental release of A. m. scutellata cause the spread of Africanized population, which affects the A. mellifera European lineages [ 59 ]. The changes in bee population affected the honey yield in Meliponiculture.…”

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of Africanized Apis mellifera colonies with natural tolerance to Varroa destructor and contrasting defensive behavior

“…Conversely, in northern regions of the country the presence of Africanized feral populations with undesirable characteristics for beekeeping (swarming tendency and high defensive behavior) precludes the breeding selection contributing to the genetic background of commercial honey bee colonies ( 5 , 57 ). Recently, colonies with desirable traits (docility, resistance to brood disease, and adaptation to a subtropical climate) have been characterized in the northwestern region of the country ( 58 , 59 ), offering an opportunity to preserve honey bee stocks for the development of sustainable apiculture in a subtropical climate. These hybrid colonies have possibly inherited the best characteristics from their European and African origins, as have previously been described in other regions of the American Continent ( 3 , 60 , 61 ).…”