Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Insights into social insects from the genome of the honeybee Apis mellifera

Article Abstract:

The genome sequence of the honeybee Apis mellifera, a key model for social behavior and essential to global ecology through pollination, is reported. The genes in early developmental pathways are different in Apis when compared to Drosophila, whereas similarities exist for functions that differ markedly, and the population genetics has suggested a novel African origin for the species A. mellifera and insights into whether Africanized bees spread throughout the New World via hybridization or displacement.

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Asian honeybees parasitize the future dead

Article Abstract:

A study shows that workers of the Asian dwarf red honeybee Apis florea from other colonies exploit their queenless nest as an opportunity to move in and lay their own eggs while no policing is in force. The results reveal that an important reproductive tactic of Apis florea workers is active to seek out and parasitize queenless nests with their eggs.

Animal reproduction

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How to make a social insect

Article Abstract:

Decoders of the honeybee genome have begun to address their remarkable social traits that lofted the honeybee to an advanced state of social organization. A newly sequenced genome helps in the study of the honeybee, Apis mellifera, all the way from molecule to colony.

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