Parental analysis using RAPD markers in the antColobopsis nipponicus: A test of RAPD markers for estimating reproductive structure within social insect colonies

Summary Previously known parent-offspring relationship for queens and her daughters of the antColobopsis nipponicus was examined using RAPD markers in order to test the reliability of this molecular technique for estimating the reproductive structure within colonies of social insects. RAPD markers from 20 oligomers successfully clustered the queen with her daughters among an artificially generated polygynous society, even when paternal information was unavailable. When information from both the queen and her sperm was included in the analysis, 20 polymorphic bands seem to be sufficient to cluster correctly the true parents to their offspring. Lack of father's information considerably decreased accuracy of the analysis. Thus, if RAPD markers are to be used to demonstrate parent-offspring relationship between individuals in the field, sperm from the queen's spermatheca should be incorporated in analysis.