Microsatellite loci for Euglossa annectans (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and their variability in other orchid bees.

Orchid or euglossine bees are conspicuous Hymenoptera of the Neotropics, where they pollinate numerous plants, including orchids. Allozyme-based analyses have suggested that their populations suffer from inbreeding, as evidenced by so-called diploid male production. We have developed nine polymorphic microsatellite loci for the widespread Euglossa annectans, with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.143 to 0.952 and between 2 and 9 alleles per species. These loci will be useful for analysis of relatedness, population genetic structure and diploid male production in this and related species.