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Bird SA, Pope NS, McGrady CM, Fleischer SJ, López-Uribe MM. Mating frequency estimation and its importance for colony abundance analyses in eusocial pollinators: a case study of Bombus impatiens (Hymenoptera: Apidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2024:toae178. [PMID: 39137237 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toae178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The genus Bombus (bumble bees) includes approximately 265 species, many of which are in decline in North America and Europe. To estimate colony abundance of bumble bees in natural and agricultural habitats, sibship relationships are often reconstructed from genetic data with the assumption that colonies have 1 monandrous queen. However, some species such as the North American common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens Cresson) can display low levels of polyandry, which may bias estimates of colony abundance based on monandrous sibship reconstructions. To accurately quantify rates of polyandry in wild and commercially mated queens of this species, we empirically estimated mating frequencies using a novel statistical model and genotypes from 730 bees. To genotype individuals, we used a highly polymorphic set of microsatellites on colonies established from 20 wild-caught gynes and 10 commercial colonies. We found multiple fathers in 3 of the wild colonies and 3 of the commercial colonies. This resulted in average effective mating frequencies of 1.075 ± 0.18 and 1.154 ± 0.25 for wild and commercial colonies, respectively. These findings agree with previous reports of low rates of polyandry for B. impatiens. Using a large empirical dataset, we demonstrate that assuming monandry for colony abundance estimation in species that violate this assumption results in an overestimation of the number of colonies. Our results emphasize the importance of studying mating frequencies in social species of conservation concern and economic importance for the accuracy of colony abundance estimation and for understanding their ecology and sociobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney A Bird
- Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, 5230 Konnowac Pass Rd, Wapato, WA 98951, USA
| | - Nathaniel S Pope
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Carley M McGrady
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Shelby J Fleischer
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Margarita M López-Uribe
- Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Kardum Hjort C, Paris JR, Olsson P, Herbertsson L, de Miranda JR, Dudaniec RY, Smith HG. Genomic divergence and a lack of recent introgression between commercial and wild bumblebees ( Bombus terrestris). Evol Appl 2022; 15:365-382. [PMID: 35386397 PMCID: PMC8965379 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The global movement of bees for agricultural pollination services can affect local pollinator populations via hybridization. When commercial bumblebees are of the same species but of different geographic origin, intraspecific hybridization may result in beneficial integration of new genetic variation, or alternatively may disrupt locally adapted gene complexes. However, neither the existence nor the extent of genomic introgression and evolutionary divergence between wild and commercial bumblebees is fully understood. We obtained whole-genome sequencing data from wild and commercial Bombus terrestris collected from sites in Southern Sweden with and without long-term use of commercially imported B. terrestris. We search for evidence of introgression, dispersal and genome-wide differentiation in a comparative genomic analysis of wild and commercial bumblebees. Commercial B. terrestris were found in natural environments near sites where commercial bumblebees were used, as well as drifting wild B. terrestris in commercial bumblebee colonies. However, we found no evidence for widespread, recent genomic introgression of commercial B. terrestris into local wild conspecific populations. We found that wild B. terrestris had significantly higher nucleotide diversity (Nei's pi, π), while the number of segregating sites (Watterson's theta, θw) was higher in commercial B. terrestris. A highly divergent region on chromosome 11 was identified in commercial B. terrestris and found to be enriched with structural variants. The genes present in this region are involved in flight muscle contraction and structure and pathogen immune response, providing evidence for differing evolutionary processes operating in wild and commercial B. terrestris. We did not find evidence for recent introgression, suggesting that co-occurring commercial B. terrestris have not disrupted evolutionary processes in wild B. terrestris populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Kardum Hjort
- Department of BiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
- School of Natural SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyAustralia
| | - Josephine R. Paris
- BiosciencesCollege of Life and Environmental ScienceUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | | | - Lina Herbertsson
- Centre for Environmental and Climate ScienceLund UniversityLundSweden
| | | | | | - Henrik G. Smith
- Department of BiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
- Centre for Environmental and Climate ScienceLund UniversityLundSweden
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Averill AL, Couto AV, Andersen JC, Elkinton JS. Parasite Prevalence May Drive the Biotic Impoverishment of New England (USA) Bumble Bee Communities. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12100941. [PMID: 34680710 PMCID: PMC8539347 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Here we discuss widespread changes in the community structure of bumble bees (Bombus spp.) found in the coastal-zone community of New England. One species in particular, Bombus impatiens Cresson, 1863, has increased in relative abundance nearly 45% since the 1990s to become the dominant species in the region, representing nearly 75% of all Bombus individuals collected in our studies. These changes in abundance may be, in part, due to differences in infection rates by microparasites, with B. impatiens having significantly fewer microparasites than several other less common and declining Bombus species. We discuss the possible role of microparasites in influencing the community composition of Bombus species in our region, and how these infections might be compounding declines in conjunction with habitat loss and climate change. Abstract Numerous studies have reported a diversity of stressors that may explain continental-scale declines in populations of native pollinators, particularly those in the genus Bombus. However, there has been little focus on the identification of the local-scale dynamics that may structure currently impoverished Bombus communities. For example, the historically diverse coastal-zone communities of New England (USA) now comprise only a few species and are primarily dominated by a single species, B. impatiens. To better understand the local-scale factors that might be influencing this change in community structure, we examined differences in the presence of parasites in different species of Bombus collected in coastal-zone communities. Our results indicate that Bombus species that are in decline in this region were more likely to harbor parasites than are B. impatiens populations, which were more likely to be parasite-free and to harbor fewer intense infections or co-infections. The contrasting parasite burden between co-occurring winners and losers in this community may impact the endgame of asymmetric contests among species competing for dwindling resources. We suggest that under changing climate and landscape conditions, increasing domination of communities by healthy, synanthropic Bombus species (such as B. impatiens) may be another factor hastening the further erosion of bumble bee diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L. Averill
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (J.C.A.); (J.S.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-413-545-1054
| | - Andrea V. Couto
- Department of Computer Science, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA 02324, USA;
| | - Jeremy C. Andersen
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (J.C.A.); (J.S.E.)
| | - Joseph S. Elkinton
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (J.C.A.); (J.S.E.)
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McGrady CM, Strange JP, López‐Uribe MM, Fleischer SJ. Wild bumble bee colony abundance, scaled by field size, predicts pollination services. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C. M. McGrady
- Department of Entomology The Pennsylvania State University 501 Agricultural Sciences and Industry Building University Park Pennsylvania 16801 USA
| | - J. P. Strange
- USDA‐ARS Pollinating Insect Research Unit 1410 N 800 E N. Logan Utah 84341 USA
| | - M. M. López‐Uribe
- Department of Entomology The Pennsylvania State University 501 Agricultural Sciences and Industry Building University Park Pennsylvania 16801 USA
| | - S. J. Fleischer
- Department of Entomology The Pennsylvania State University 501 Agricultural Sciences and Industry Building University Park Pennsylvania 16801 USA
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Campbell JW, Bammer M, Bustamante TA, Ellis JD. The Health of Commercial Bombus impatiens (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies After Foraging in Florida Watermelon and Blueberry. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 48:1197-1202. [PMID: 31237607 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvz081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bumble bees are commonly used to provide pollination services within crop fields and greenhouses, with Bombus impatiens Cresson; Hymenoptera: Apidae, a bee native to the eastern United States, being the only managed bumble bee available commercially in the United States. Although many researchers have explored managed bumble bees' ability to pollinate various crops and the potential spread of pathogens by managed bumble bees, scant research is available on how managed bumble bee colony health is affected after foraging within crop fields. We measured 10 B. impatiens colony health parameters: 1) colony weight; number of 2) honey/pollen pots, 3) workers, 4) queens, 5) drones, 6) immatures, 7) eggs; and weight of 8) workers, 9) drones, and 10) queens from colonies that foraged within blueberry or watermelon fields, and compared them to control colonies that were purchased and immediately frozen upon receipt. Bees that foraged within blueberry increased in colony weight and in the number of immatures and eggs during the bloom period compared to control colonies. In contrast, bee colonies placed within watermelon decreased in colony weight, number of workers and immature bees, and individual bee weight compared to control colonies. Blueberry appeared to provide bees with sufficient nectar and pollen, whereas watermelon may not have provided adequate resources for the bees. Bees foraging within watermelon were probably forced to search for other sources of pollen and nectar, resulting in colony health parameter declines. Our data suggest that some crops (e.g., blueberry) can support managed B. impatiens, potentially adding to localized bumble bee populations, while others (e.g., watermelon) cannot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W Campbell
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Mary Bammer
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Steinmetz Hall, Gainesville, FL
| | - Tomas A Bustamante
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Steinmetz Hall, Gainesville, FL
| | - James D Ellis
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Steinmetz Hall, Gainesville, FL
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Seabra SG, Silva SE, Nunes VL, Sousa VC, Martins J, Marabuto E, Rodrigues ASB, Pina‐Martins F, Laurentino TG, Rebelo MT, Figueiredo E, Paulo OS. Genomic signatures of introgression between commercial and native bumblebees, Bombus terrestris, in western Iberian Peninsula-Implications for conservation and trade regulation. Evol Appl 2019; 12:679-691. [PMID: 30976302 PMCID: PMC6439495 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-mediated introductions of species may have profound impacts on native ecosystems. One potential impact with largely unforeseen consequences is the potential admixture of introduced with autochthonous species through hybridization. Throughout the world, bumblebees have been deliberately introduced for crop pollination with known negative impacts on native pollinators. Given the likely allochthonous origin of commercial bumblebees used in Portugal (subspecies Bombus terrestris terrestris and B. t. dalmatinus), our aim was to assess their putative introgression with the native Iberian subspecies B. terrestris lusitanicus. We analysed one mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) and genomic data involving thousands of genome-wide restriction-site-associated DNA markers (RAD-seq). In the mitochondrial COX1 analyses, we detected one relatively common haplotype in commercial bumblebees, also present in wild samples collected nearby the greenhouses where the commercial hives are used. In the RAD-seq analysis, we found a clear genetic differentiation between native and commercial lineages. Furthermore, we detected candidate hybrids in the wild, as well as putatively escaped commercial bumblebees, some of which being potentially fertile males. Although we cannot assess directly the fitness effects of introgressed alleles, there is a risk of maladaptive allele introgression to the local bumblebee subspecies, which can negatively impact autochthon populations. One immediate recommendation to farmers is for the proper disposal of hive boxes, after their use in greenhouses, so as to minimize the risk of escapees contaminating native populations. On the other hand, the feasibility of using local subspecies B. t. lusitanicus, preferably with local production, should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia G. Seabra
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de CiênciasUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Sara E. Silva
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de CiênciasUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Vera L. Nunes
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de CiênciasUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Vitor C. Sousa
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de CiênciasUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Joana Martins
- Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Instituto Superior de AgronomiaUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
- Present address:
SAPEC AgroLisboaPortugal
| | - Eduardo Marabuto
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de CiênciasUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Ana S. B. Rodrigues
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Natural History and Systematics (NHS) Research Group /MUHNAC ‐ Museu Nacional de História Natural e da CiênciaUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Francisco Pina‐Martins
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de CiênciasUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | | | - Maria Teresa Rebelo
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de CiênciasUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Elisabete Figueiredo
- Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Instituto Superior de AgronomiaUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Octávio S. Paulo
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de CiênciasUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
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Averill AL, Sylvia MM, Hahn N, Couto AV. Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) Foraging on American Cranberry in Massachusetts. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2018. [DOI: 10.1656/045.025.0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne L. Averill
- University of Massachusetts — Amherst, Department of Environmental Conservation, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Martha M. Sylvia
- University of Massachusetts — Amherst, Department of Environmental Conservation, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Noel Hahn
- University of Massachusetts — Amherst, Department of Environmental Conservation, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Andrea V. Couto
- University of Massachusetts — Amherst, Department of Environmental Conservation, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003
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Conservation genetics of bees: advances in the application of molecular tools to guide bee pollinator conservation. CONSERV GENET 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-0975-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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