The degree of parasitism of the bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) by cuckoo bumblebees (Bombus (Psithyrus) vestalis) |
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Authors: | S Erler H M G Lattorff |
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Institution: | 1. Institut für Biologie, Molekulare ?kologie, Martin-Luther-Universit?t Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, 06099, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Abstract: | Host–parasite systems are characterised by coevolutionary arms races between host and parasite. Parasites are often the driving
force, as they replicate much faster than their hosts and have shorter generation times and larger population sizes, resulting
in higher mutation rates per time interval. This scenario does not fit all host–parasite systems. Socially parasitic cuckoo
bumblebees (Bombus (Psithyrus) vestalis) parasitise colonies of Bombus terrestris share most life history characteristics with their hosts. As they parasitise only a subset of all available colonies, their
population size should be lower than that of their hosts. This might have strong negative effects on the genetic diversity
of B. vestalis and their adaptability. Here, we study for the first time the population structure of a Bombus/Bombus (Psithyrus) system. Highly polymorphic DNA markers were used to reconstruct sibships from individuals collected in the wild. The analysis
of the host and parasite populations revealed a rate of parasitism of about 42% (range 33–50%). The population size of B. vestalis was lower compared to their hosts, which was also reflected in low within-group genetic distance. An analysis of the reconstructed
queen genotypes revealed more supersisters amongst the B. vestalis queens when compared to the B. terrestris host. The data suggest that B. vestalis females and males do not disperse over long distances. This shows a potential for local adaptation to their hosts. |
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