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Genetic structure of the Black Bog Ant (Formica picea Nylander) in the United Kingdom

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Abstract

Social Hymenoptera have been relatively little studied in terms of conservation genetics even though their sociality and complementary sex determination potentially influence the interaction of genetics with extinction risk. Using microsatellite markers, we investigated the social and genetic structure of nests and populations of the Black Bog Ant Formica picea at four sites in the UK, where this habitat specialist has a localized and fragmented range. Nests were weakly polygynous (effective queen number, 4–27 per nest) with low worker relatedness. Isolation by distance tended to be present within sites, indicating limited dispersal, but inbreeding was rare. The four study sites fell into three main populations (two in South Wales, one in southern England). We conclude that, although UK F. picea populations are not at immediate risk from genetic factors, their limited dispersal abilities at both within- and between-site scales should inform conservation management decisions.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Bill Jordan for advice on microsatellite genotyping and two anonymous reviewers for helpful comments. We also thank the following individuals and organizations for collecting advice, providing access to sites, or on-site assistance: Andy Abbott (Abbott Ecology), Tim Brodie-James (English Nature), Graham Elmes (Centre for Ecology and Hydrology), Lin Gander (Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales), Michael Howe (Countryside Council for Wales), Ray North, Sian Musgrave (National Trust), David Sheppard (English Nature), David Stradling (Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust), Diana Westerhoff (English Nature) and Simon Weymouth (Forestry Commission). Figure 1a was prepared using Alan Morton’s DMAP software. This work was funded by a NERC studentship held by SDR.

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Author notes

  1. Simon D. Rees

    Present address: College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK

  2. Andrew F. G. Bourke

    Present address: School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK

    Simon D. Rees & Andrew F. G. Bourke

  2. Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK

    Glenda M. Orledge

  3. Cardiff School of Biosciences, Biomedical Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3US, UK

    Michael W. Bruford

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  1. Simon D. Rees
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  4. Andrew F. G. Bourke
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Correspondence to Andrew F. G. Bourke.

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Rees, S.D., Orledge, G.M., Bruford, M.W. et al. Genetic structure of the Black Bog Ant (Formica picea Nylander) in the United Kingdom. Conserv Genet 11, 823–834 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-009-9915-z

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