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Aggregations of male Bombus muscorum (Hymenoptera: Apidae) at mature nests. Incestuous brothers or amorous suitors?

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posted on 2023-06-08, 18:58 authored by Ben Darvill, Gillian C Lye, Dave GoulsonDave Goulson
Aggregations of male bumblebees are occasionally observed at the nest entrances of conspecifics. It has always been assumed that they originate from nearby nests and are hoping to mate with emerging gynes. However, it is possible that they are males from within the nest that have not yet dispersed, or are hoping to mate with their sisters. Inbreeding in Hymenoptera with single locus complimentary sex determination (sl-CSD) is costly and should be avoided. Nevertheless, other taxa with sl-CSD have been found to inbreed in this way. We use microsatellites to compare aggregating males with workers from within a Bombus muscorum nest. All males have genotypes inconsistent with origination from within the nest. Estimates of are near zero, indicating low rates of non-random mating. Clearly male bumblebees can detect mature nests, and congregate in the hope of mating with virgin queens. These data suggest that mechanisms may exist to avoid brother-sister matings at the nest, and perhaps beyond. © INRA, EDP Sciences, 2007.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Apidologie

ISSN

0044-8435

Publisher

EDP Sciences

Issue

6

Volume

38

Page range

518-524

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2014-11-25

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