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The genetic consequences of the anthropogenic movement of social bees

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Abstract

Invasive species often play a significant role in ecosystem decline and the loss of biodiversity. Nonetheless, a number of social bee species (Apidae) have been, and are still being, transported outside their native ranges for use as pollinators and honey producers. Many authors have emphasized the ecological consequences of introduced social bees. Less appreciated is that hybridization between local and introduced bees can lead to genomic extinction of indigenous bee taxa and to a loss in overall biodiversity. More directly, mating interference between introduced and native bees may result in reduced reproductive success of the indigenous taxa. It is therefore important that the benefits of introducing exotic bee species be carefully weighed against the possible costs to indigenous populations.

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Acknowledgments

Funding came from the Australian Research Council and the Branco Weiss Society in Science Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Behaviour and Genetics of Social Insects Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

    M. A. Byatt, N. C. Chapman & B. P. Oldroyd

  2. Biomedical Building, Faculty of Environment and Agriculture, Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh, NSW, 2015, Australia

    T. Latty

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  1. M. A. Byatt
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  2. N. C. Chapman
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  3. T. Latty
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  4. B. P. Oldroyd
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Correspondence to M. A. Byatt.

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Byatt, M.A., Chapman, N.C., Latty, T. et al. The genetic consequences of the anthropogenic movement of social bees. Insect. Soc. 63, 15–24 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00040-015-0441-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00040-015-0441-3

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