Issue |
Apidologie
Volume 38, Number 6, November-December 2007
|
|
---|---|---|
Page(s) | 518 - 524 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:2007032 | |
Published online | 19 October 2007 |
DOI: 10.1051/apido:2007032
Aggregations of male Bombus muscorum (Hymenoptera: Apidae) at mature nests. Incestuous brothers or amorous suitors?
Ben Darvill, Gillian C. Lye and Dave GoulsonSchool of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
(Received 6 April 2006 - Accepted 20 June 2007 - Published online 19 October 2007)
Abstract - Aggregations of male bumblebees are occasionally
observed at the nest entrances of conspecifics. It has always been assumed
that they originate from nearby nests and are hoping to mate with emerging
gynes. However, it is possible that they are males from within the nest that
have not yet dispersed, or are hoping to mate with their sisters. Inbreeding
in Hymenoptera with single locus complimentary sex determination (sl-CSD) is
costly and should be avoided. Nevertheless, other taxa with sl-CSD have been
found to inbreed in this way. We use microsatellites to compare aggregating
males with workers from within a Bombus muscorum nest. All males have genotypes
inconsistent with origination from within the nest. Estimates of
are
near zero, indicating low rates of non-random mating. Clearly male
bumblebees can detect mature nests, and congregate in the hope of mating
with virgin queens. These data suggest that mechanisms may exist to avoid
brother-sister matings at the nest, and perhaps beyond.
Key words: Bombus / mating / inbreeding avoidance / Hymenoptera / microsatellites
© INRA, DIB-AGIB, EDP Sciences 2007