We will address the genomic basis controlling the transition from a social to a parasitic honeybee worker (Apis mellifera capensis) and compare this with the transitions from a social Bumblebee species (Bombus terrestris) to its cuckoo bumblebee species (B. vestalis). The evolution of social parasitism and the loss of sociality in the parasites allows for studying the uncoupling of the fecundity/longevity trade-off in social bees at the genomic level. We will study this by experimentally switching fecundity on or off and assess this effect on longevity and/or on genomic regulations know to be involved in longevity. In addition to controlled experimental studies we will also assess natural populations in the wild allowing for the interpretation of the natural selection processes driving the balance between short lived social and long lived parasitic honeybees.
DFG Programme
Research Units
International Connection
South Africa
