Genetic structuring of Anatolian Bombus lapidarius L. (Apidae: Hymenoptera) populations

Anatolia is one of the important regions which have contributed to current biodiversity of Europe. It is suggested that some of the current central and northern populations of Europe have been originated from populations took refuge during glacial ages. Cold preferring animals are accepted as model organisms because they exhibit range expansion and range contraction patterns during glacial and interglacial periods, respectively. In order to improve our knowledge on biogeography and genetic diversity of Anatolia, the distribution pattern of Bombus lapidarius were investigated in the Black Sea region using COI and nCTB genes from 14 populations. High numbers of unique and diverse haplotypes were observed in both markers, suggesting genetic differentiations among populations. East-West differentiation is particularly supported throughout the Black Sea region. All analyses indicate that the East 4 and East 5 populations exhibit significantly differentiation from other populations. This differentiation is directly related to the geographical distribution patterns of populations. These populations constitute a separate lineage at the same time. In addition, Western populations can be accepted as recently derived populations