Fine scale population genetic structure ofVarroa destructor, an ectoparasitic mite of the honey bee (Apis mellifera).
Varroa destructoris an obligate ectoparasitic mite and the most important biotic threat currently facing honey bees (Apis mellifera). We used neutral microsatellites to analyze previously unreported fine scale population structure ofV. destructor, a species characterized by extreme lack of genetic diversity owing to multiple bottleneck events, haplodiploidy, and primarily brother-sister matings. Our results surprisingly indicate that detectable hierarchical genetic variation exists between apiaries, between colonies within an apiary, and even within colonies. This finding of within-colony parasite diversity provides empirical evidence that the spread ofV. destructoris not accomplished solely by vertical transmission but that horizontal transmission (natural or human-mediated) must occur regularly.
Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution, Emory University, 400 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Travis L
TL
Dynes
Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution, Emory University, 400 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322; Dept of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Jacobus C
JC
De Roode
Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution, Emory University, 400 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322; Dept of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Justine I
JI
Lyons
Dept of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.
Jennifer A
JA
Berry
Dept of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.
Keith S
KS
Delaplane
Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution, Emory University, 400 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322; Dept of Environmental Science, Emory University, 400 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Berry J
BJ
Brosi
Varroa destructor; haplodiploidy; inbred; population genetic structure; sib mating