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A triangulated approach used to delimit
the species within the genus Austroplebeia
(Apidae: Meliponinae)
Megan HALCROFT1, Anne DOLLIN2, Tiago FRANCOY3, Robert SPOONER-HART1, Anthony
M. HAIGH1, Markus RIEGLER4
1
School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney,
Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW 2751 Australia
2
Australian Native Bee Research Centre,
North Richmond, NSW 2754 Australia
3
Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo,
São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil
4
Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, University of Western Sydney,
Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC NSW 1797 Australia
[email protected]
The current descriptions for the species within the genus Austroplebeia Moure 1961 are inadequate as a tool for the identification of specimens in either the field or the laboratory. A triangulated approach was undertaken in an attempt to better delimit species / groups within Austroplebeia.
First, morphological data based on worker bee colour and size were analysed, which separated
morphologically similar groups. Next, drones collected from nests representing these groups were
dissected and their genitalia were imaged using scanning electron microscopy. Then, data for the
geometric morphometric analysis of worker wing venations were obtained. Finally, molecular
analysis, using mitochondrial rDNA segment 16S, was conducted on workers from representative
nests for each group. The four datasets were compared, resulting in the separation of two distinct
species, with a large unresolved species complex.
Morphology – colour – 16S (rDNA) – drone genitalia – geometric morphometry – species
Anais do X Encontro sobre Abelhas, 2012
Ribeirão Preto – SP – Brasil