Preliminary Characterization of Mitochondrial Genome ofMelipona scutellaris, a Brazilian Stingless Bee

Abstract

Bees are manufacturers of relevant economical products and have a pollinator role fundamental to ecosystems. Traditionally, studies focused on the genusMeliponahave been mostly based on behavioral, and social organization and ecological aspects. Only recently the evolutionary history of this genus has been assessed using molecular markers, including mitochondrial genes. Even though these studies have shed light on the evolutionary history of theMeliponagenus, a more accurate picture may emerge when full nuclear and mitochondrial genomes ofMeliponaspecies become available. Here we present the assembly, annotation, and characterization of a draft mitochondrial genome of the Brazilian stingless beeMelipona scutellarisusingMelipona bicoloras a reference organism. Using Illumina MiSeq data, we achieved the annotation of all protein coding genes, as well as the genes for the two ribosomal subunits (16S and 12S) and transfer RNA genes as well. Using the COI sequence as a DNA barcode, we found thatM. cramptoniis the closest species toM. scutellaris.