DNA barcoding reveals long-term speciation processes in subspecies of the Melipona (Michmelia) seminigra complex (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

• DOI: 10.14411/eje.2022.032
• Publication Date: 2022-08-12T14:33:07Z
• Authors: Izaura Bezerra FR...; João Marcos Guima...; Antônio Saulo Cun...; Carlos Gustavo NU...; Jacqueline Da Sil...; Luciano COSTA; Gislene Almeida C...
• Keywords: Subspecies; DNA Barcoding; Genetic algorithm

The stingless bee Melipona (Michmelia) seminigra Friese is a polytypic species widely distributed in Brazilian Amazon and Bolivia.Seven subspecies are recognized, four described, which inhabit mutually exclusive areas the basin, although zones of hybridization recorded.The three other subspecies, despite being recognized by taxonomists undescribed.Melipona good honey-producer an important pollinator native fl ora crops.Partial DNA sequence cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) mitochondrial gene (526 bp) was used to identify described M. (M.s. abunensis, s. merrillae, pernigra, seminigra) two possible ssp1 ssp2).We added public data (sequences ten species) same subgenera carried out phylogenetic analyses.The aim evaluate if complex could be delimited using COI measure genetic distances between them.Our results revealed that ranged from 0.4 2.7% (average 1.80 ± 0.47) among 0.2 2.9% 2.13 0.5).The average haplotype diversity 0.8770 0.0140 nucleotide 0.0166 0.0004.Phylogenetic clustering analysis well clusters for inter divergences similar divergence.Our fi ndings indicate can delimiting seminigra.