Microbial Evolution in Allodapine Bees: Perspectives From Trophallactic, Socially Plastic Pollinators

Area of Science:

• * Microbiology and Ecology
• * Evolutionary Biology
• * Pollination Ecology

Background:

• * Wild bee microbiomes are critical for pollinator health and ecosystem services.
• * The bee tribe Allodapini (Apidae: Xylocopinae) offers unique insights into microbiome evolution due to their facultative sociality and geographic distribution.
• * Current research on allodapine bee microbiology and pathogens is limited compared to other bee groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To provide a functional understanding of wild bee microbiomes, focusing on the Allodapini tribe.
• * To explore potential pathogens affecting insect pollinators and their impact on crop pollination.
• * To investigate the evolutionary aspects of bee microbiomes using allodapine life history traits.

Main Methods:

• * Literature review of pathogenic associates of allodapine bees.
• * Interrogation of published genomes for novel parasites and bacteria.
• * Analysis of allodapine bee interactions with horticultural and native plants.

Main Results:

• * Significantly less research exists on allodapine bee pathogens compared to carpenter, bumble, and honey bees.
• * Novel microsporidian, protozoan parasites, and bacterial relatives were identified in allodapine bee genomes.
• * Allodapine bees interact with a diverse range of plants, including 13 horticultural crops and 50 native genera.

Conclusions:

• * Allodapine bees represent a valuable model for studying bee microbiome evolution and socio-eco-evo-immunology.
• * Further research into allodapine bee pathogens is essential for improving pollinator health and ensuring crop pollination services.
• * The unique traits of allodapines facilitate an integrated approach to understanding bee health and ecological roles.