Genetic differentiation and local adaptation of the Japanese honeybee, .

We examine the population genetic structure and divergence among the regional populations of the Japanese honeybee, , by re-sequencing the genomes of 105 individuals from the three main Japanese islands with diverse climates. The genetic structure results indicated that these individuals are distinct from the mainland Chinese samples. Furthermore, population structure analyses have identified three genetically distinct geographic regions in Japan: Northern (Tohoku-Kanto-Chubu districts), Central (Chugoku district), and Southern (Kyushu district).

Genes associated with hot defensive bee ball in the Japanese honeybee, Apis cerana japonica.

Background: The Japanese honeybee, Apis cerana japonica, shows a specific defensive behavior, known as a "hot defensive bee ball," used against the giant hornet, Vespa mandarinia. Hundreds of honeybee workers surround a hornet and make a "bee ball" during this behavior. They maintain the ball for around 30 min, and its core temperature can reach 46.