1. Invasion Genetics The case of the killer bees

2. Invasion Genetics The case of the killer bees Bee Biology History of the African honeybee introduction Africanized honeybee vs. European honeybee Other examples of invasions with hybridizations Discussion of (Schneider et al 2004)

3. Bee Biology The 3 Castes CasteWorkersDronesQueen NDiploid32xHaploid16xDiploid32x Sex♀♂♀ Notes Different Subfamilies within a hive. Determination made by a single allele. Determination made by workers

4. History of the African honeybee introduction Brazil (1957) – Warwick E. Kerr Sought to develop a hybrid adapted to tropical climates “Accidentally” released 26 Tanzanian queens (Apis mellifera scutellata) ~200 miles/yr

5. Follow for up to 1km (30m for European) 19 stings / kg for fatality Aggressive behavior of A. mellifera scutellata Honey badger - Mellivora capensis

6. Africanized vs. European honeybees European Africanized Africanized Bees 3 times as many drones More pollen Less honey Frequent swarming Respond to flowering cues rather day length

7. Other examples of invasion with hybridization Atlantic Cordgass (Spartina alterniflora) - Pacific cordgrass (S. foliosa) Eurasian Tamarix – hybrids are more invasive Japanse & Himalayan knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum, P. sachalinense) Viable seed produced in hybrid but not in pure strains. Viable seed produced in hybrid but not in pure strains.