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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
A Novel Behavioral Assay to Investigate Gustatory Responses of Individual, Freely-moving Bumble Bees (Bombus terrestris)
Published on: July 21, 2016
Novel microsatellite DNA loci for Bombus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758)
Eckart Stolle1, Mandy Rohde, Dominique Vautrin
1Institut für Biologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, D-06099 Halle (Saale), Germany, Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes et Spéciation, CNRS, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France, ETH Zürich, Intitute for Integrative Biology (IBZ), Experimental Ecology Group, ETH-Zentrum CHN, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
Researchers developed 123 new microsatellite DNA markers for the buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris). These markers are also effective in other bumblebee species, aiding population and genetic studies.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Ecology
- Zoology
Background:
- Microsatellite markers are crucial for population genetics.
- Characterizing genetic diversity in Bombus terrestris is important for conservation and management.
- Existing markers may not cover the full genetic diversity of Bombus species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci for Bombus terrestris.
- To assess the cross-species utility of these novel loci in other Bombus species.
- To provide a valuable genetic resource for population and evolutionary studies in bumblebees.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of 123 novel microsatellite loci.
- Testing the polymorphism of 34 selected loci across nine additional Bombus species.
- Genotyping and data analysis to identify polymorphic loci.
Main Results:
- 123 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci for Bombus terrestris were identified.
- 34 loci were tested in nine other Bombus species, with 25 showing polymorphism in at least one species.
- These new loci, combined with existing ones, expand the available genetic tools for bumblebee research.
Conclusions:
- The newly developed microsatellite loci are highly informative for Bombus terrestris.
- A significant proportion of these loci are transferable to other Bombus species, enhancing their utility.
- These genetic resources will facilitate detailed population structure, genetic diversity, and mapping studies in bumblebees.
