Discrimination of haploid and diploid males of Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera; Apidae) based on wing shape

Abstract

Presence of diploid males in wild bees reflects inbreeding and provides information about the health status of a colony or population. Detection of diploid males, and discrimination from haploid males and workers, has, however, been limited to molecular diagnostics. Here we present a novel method based on differences in wing shape, e.g., venation patterns in wings. The method is easy to apply and results, for Bombus terrestris, in very high discrimination success. Possible applications of the method are discussed.