The first gynandromorph of the Neotropical bee Megalopta amoena (Spinola, 1853) (Halictidae) with notes on its circadian rhythm

By

Krichilsky, Erin
Vega-Hidalgo, Álvaro
Hunter, Kate
Kingwell, Callum
Ritner, Chelsey
Wcislo, William T.
Smith, Adam

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2020

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

75

Pages

97--108

Subjects

Augochlorini , circadian rhythm , Development , gynandromorph , Morphology , Sweat bee

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.75.47828

 

Abstract

Gynandromorphy is an anomaly that results in an organism phenotypically expressing both male and female characteristics. Here we describe the first gynandromorph of the bee species Megalopta amoena (Spinola, 1853) (Halictidae, Augochlorini) and the second record of this anomaly within the genus Megalopta. Additionally, we analyzed the bee’s circadian rhythm, which has never before been quantified for a gynandromorph. The gynandromorph showed a deviant activity pattern; it was intermediate between that of the male and female M. amoena. Our results imply that the brains of bilateral gynandromorphs may have mixed sex-specific signaling. Based on four days of recording, the gynandromorph circadian rhythm was shifted earlier in the day relative to the male and female M. amoena, and it exhibited intensity similar to the female.