Sonoma State University

Mitochondrial haplotypes of free-living honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies at the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve in Mendocino County, California

Map of Galbreath Preserve's free-living honeybee colonies

Abstract

We report a novel population of free-living honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies at the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve in Mendocino County, California. Over 40 colonies have been identified so far at the preserve via bee-lining, with more colonies being discovered every year. In this study, we collected bee foragers from the entrance of 19 out of 29 active colonies to determine their mitochondrial genetic haplotype using the COI/COII gene. We found that all sampled colonies belong to the M lineage, with no new novel haplotypes being discovered. In contrast, managed colonies sampled from the two nearest aparies belonged to the C lineage. This study serves as the foundation for future reports of free-living honey bee populations in the Western U.S.

Results

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Mitochondrial haplotypes of free-living honey bee(Apis mellifera) colonies at the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve in Mendocino County, California

Journal of Apicultural Research
Mitochondrial_haplotype_Apis_mellifera_Galbreath.pdf (1.66 MB)
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Key Terms: Apis mellifera; C haplotype; free-living colonies; feral hives; wild colonies; M haplotype; unmanaged honey bees

Project Date: 2023 - 2025

Faculty:

  • N/A

Departments:

  • N/A

Partners:

  • Myra Dickey - Professor of Entomology at Texas A&M University
  • Juliana Rangel - Professor of Entomology at Texas A&M University
  • Michael Thiele - Apis Arborea

Locations:

  • Galbreath Wildlands Preserve

Project Topics:

  • Biodiversity
  • Planning & Governance

Funding Sources:

  • Apis Arborea

Sonoma State University acknowledges the Coast Miwok, Central and Southern Pomo, and the Wappo as the traditional stewards of our preserved lands. Let it be acknowledged that the Sonoma State University campus is located within the traditional homelands of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Sonoma State offers deep gratitude to the original stewards of this land and recognizes its immense historical, spiritual, and personal significance to the Native nations and peoples of this region.