Evidence for Gradients of Melipona rufiventris (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Genetic Diversity within the Brazilian Semiarid

The species Melipona rufiventris Lepeletier is part of the group of stingless bees native to Brazil, commonly known as urucu-amarela, whose populations have suffered high losses in recent years by the increasing destruction of native semi-arid vegetation and the predatory collection of honey. This study provides an assessment of the genetic diversity and structure of M. rufiventris populations in the Brazilian semiarid using microsatellite markers, a starting point for assessing spatial and temporal genetic changes of bee populations in Brazil. After PCR testing of 37 potential microsatellite primer pairs, only nine markers (24.3%) revealed polymorphism in M. rufiventris. When the data set was divided into 3 collection sites (Campo Maior, Castelo do Piaui, and Guadalupe) it was observed that Campo Maior presented the highest average in relation to the number of alleles/population (3.0), ranging from 1 to 7, when compared to Castelo do Piaui and Guadalupe. PCoA and Bayesian analysis (Structure) showed a separation of the individuals into two distinct groups with some degree of intersection, thus confirming a significant genetic differentiation among populations. This information is essential to aid in the conservation of the species, since both groups identified in this study, (1) Campo Maior and (2) Castelo do Piaui + Guadalupe, should be managed as distinct units for conservation purposes. In this sense, conservation strategies should focus on minimizing habitat degradation within each region, and on avoiding the translocation between colonies as the species is exploited in meliponiculture.