Hybridization and asymmetric introgression between Tetragonisca angustula and Tetragonisca fiebrigi

The broadly distributed Neotropical stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula was once regarded as having two subspecies, T. angustula angustula and T. angustula fiebrigi. In a recent taxonomic revision, these subspecies were elevated to species status (T. angustula and Tetragonisca fiebrigi) based on morphology and distribution. While molecular studies show two well-delineated subgroups within the Tetragonisca, they are inconclusive as to whether there is gene flow between T. angustula and T. fiebrigi. We characterize 1,003 specimens from southern and southeastern Brazil using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite analysis and demonstrate that there is ongoing hybridization and introgression between T. angustula and T. fiebrigi and suggest that they may be better regarded as subspecies.