Foraging gene expression patterns in queens, workers, and males in a eusocial insect

In this study, we compare the expression level of the for- α transcript variant across four life stages of the queen caste, two behavioural groups of workers, and males of a eusocial sweat bee Lasioglossum laevissimum (Smith, 1853). Foundresses collected prior to the onset of the foraging season and males had the highest for-α expression levels. All activ e (post-hibernatory) queens and workers had similar for-α expression levels independent of behaviour. These results suggest that the for gene in L. laevissimum acts as a primer before foraging activity and that caste-specific expression patterns correlate with the timing of foraging activity in que ens and workers.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - Category: Zoology Authors: Source Type: research