Social polymorphism in the sweat bee Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) calceatum.

ABSTRACT: Temperate-zone socially polymorphic sweat bees (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) are ideal model systems for elucidating the origins of eusociality, a major evolutionary transition. Bees express either social or solitary behaviour in different parts of their range, and social phenotype typically correlates with season length. Despite their obvious utility, however, socially polymorphic sweat bees have received relatively little attention with respect to understanding the origins of eusociality. Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) calceatum is a widespread sweat bee that is thought to be socially polymorphic, with important potential as an experimental model species. We first determined the social phenotype of L. calceatum at three sites located at different latitudes within the UK.

SUBMITTER: Davison PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4869766 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature