Population structure and genetic diversity in Gynaikothrips uzeli (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae): is there a correlation between genetic and geographic proximity?
Gynaikothrips uzeli (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) is a minuscule insect species, which forms galls, is subsocial, and parthenogenetic. It is associated with Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae) and has a pantropical occurrence. The paucity of genetic studies on the order Thysanoptera led us to use inter-simple sequence repeat molecular marker to assess intra- and inter-gall, as well as intra- and inter-site, genetic variability and population structure of G. uzeli. Analyses indicated low genetic variability, probably related to haplodiploidy, genetic drift, the galling habit, and the low dispersal ability of G. uzeli. Populations were highly structured, with higher variation within populations than among them. Geographic distance does not appear to affect structure and genetic diversity, the latter being influenced by G. uzeli's bioecological traits, by numerous introductions during a short period, and by a possible recent, common ancestry.
Grupo de Pesquisa em Abelhas, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa da Amazônia, Manaus, AM, Brasil.
A L S
AL
Mascarenhas
Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Jequié, BA, Brasil.
A M
AM
Waldschmidt
Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Jequié, BA, Brasil.
J C
JC
Silva
D000483:Alleles; D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005828:Genetics, Population; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D010802:Phylogeny; D061149:Thysanoptera / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*