Research on stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) and applicability of molecular markers: A systematic review of the literature

Abstract

The stingless bees (Meliponini tribe) are distributed in the areas of tropical and subtropical temperate climate, and stand out among bees for their great diversity with varied patterns of morphology and behavior. In addition to their economic importance, as well as economic importante, these bees are crucial in pollination of wild vegetation and cultivated crops. However, their population size is decreasing due to environmental degradation. Therefore, a literature review was conducted, in the Web of Science database focusing on stingless bees, in the main countries of the Pantropical region. We assessed publications on stingless bees, in a broad sense, and more specifically those referring to the application of molecular markers on these species. Only 11.25% of what was produced for Apis mellifera was generated from publications with stingless bees, being Brazil, Australia and Mexico the most prominent countries. The most widely used molecular markers were microsatellite loci and mitochondrial markers (e.g. 16S rRNA, COI and Cyt-b). Only 17 sets of specific markers were developed and two mitogenomas were sequenced. Moreover, 18 heterospecific microsatellite markers have been successful in several species, and therefore, may also be useful for other genetic studies. Due to their ecological and economic importance, researchers in the Neotropical region have been more interested in genetic studies with stingless bees, especially by using specific and heterospecific molecular markers. These tools have also proved to be essential in decision-making for the conservation and management of Meliponini bees.