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Abstract <p><i>Partamona ailyae</i>, a neotropical stingless bee, is found from the humid forests of southwestern Amazonia to the savannah fields of central Brazil, the arid regions of Piauí, and sparsely in the Atlantic Forest. Despite its extensive distribution, there is limited knowledge regarding the diversity and genetics of this species. As the sole <i>Partamona</i> species inhabiting both South American rainforests and xeric areas, this species demonstrates remarkable adaptability to diverse environments. Aiming to assess the variability of <i>P. ailyae</i> across the Brazilian biomes Cerrado, Amazon Forest, and Atlantic Forest, analyses involving two mitochondrial DNA amplicons (<i>COI</i> and <i>CytB</i>), seven microsatellite loci, wing geometric morphometry, and historical climate modeling were conducted. Our results showed that samples from the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest are genetically and morphometrically closer to each other than to individuals from the Amazon Forest. Discrete phylogeographical analysis indicated that the Amazon must have been the site of origin of the species. Genetic and morphometric analyses separated Cerrado populations into two incipient groups. Our simulation depicting a current scenario for the potential distribution of <i>P. ailyae</i> indicates a wide range of climatically favorable conditions, from open to forested formations, in South America for the species to occur. Due to this wide distribution, <i>P. ailyae</i> occupies a key position in the transition of the genus from the Amazon to the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest, biomes under strong negative impact. Hence, the species and the involved biomes deserve conservation concerns that take into account the differences reported here.</p> Implications for insect conservation <p>This study provides key genetic and ecological insights into <i>P. ailyae</i>, the only <i>Partamona</i> species adapted to both rainforests and xeric environments, revealing significant genetic structuring across biomes. By identifying distinct population groups and potential barriers to gene flow, our findings offer a scientific basis for conservation strategies, emphasizing the need to preserve connectivity in impacted biomes where habitat loss and fragmentation threaten biodiversity.</p>

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Exploring genetic and morphometric variations in Partamona ailyae, a widely distributed neotropical stingless bee of South America

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月20日

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  • Mariana Cristina Dessi,
  • Pedro Filipe Menezes Cardoso,
  • Antônio Freire de Carvalho,
  • Lucas Araújo Magri,
  • Elder Assis Miranda,
  • Kátia Maria Ferreira,
  • Tecavita Ananda Rodrigues Cardoso,
  • Marco Antonio Del Lama

摘要

Abstract

Partamona ailyae, a neotropical stingless bee, is found from the humid forests of southwestern Amazonia to the savannah fields of central Brazil, the arid regions of Piauí, and sparsely in the Atlantic Forest. Despite its extensive distribution, there is limited knowledge regarding the diversity and genetics of this species. As the sole Partamona species inhabiting both South American rainforests and xeric areas, this species demonstrates remarkable adaptability to diverse environments. Aiming to assess the variability of P. ailyae across the Brazilian biomes Cerrado, Amazon Forest, and Atlantic Forest, analyses involving two mitochondrial DNA amplicons (COI and CytB), seven microsatellite loci, wing geometric morphometry, and historical climate modeling were conducted. Our results showed that samples from the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest are genetically and morphometrically closer to each other than to individuals from the Amazon Forest. Discrete phylogeographical analysis indicated that the Amazon must have been the site of origin of the species. Genetic and morphometric analyses separated Cerrado populations into two incipient groups. Our simulation depicting a current scenario for the potential distribution of P. ailyae indicates a wide range of climatically favorable conditions, from open to forested formations, in South America for the species to occur. Due to this wide distribution, P. ailyae occupies a key position in the transition of the genus from the Amazon to the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Atlantic Forest, biomes under strong negative impact. Hence, the species and the involved biomes deserve conservation concerns that take into account the differences reported here.

Implications for insect conservation

This study provides key genetic and ecological insights into P. ailyae, the only Partamona species adapted to both rainforests and xeric environments, revealing significant genetic structuring across biomes. By identifying distinct population groups and potential barriers to gene flow, our findings offer a scientific basis for conservation strategies, emphasizing the need to preserve connectivity in impacted biomes where habitat loss and fragmentation threaten biodiversity.