Identification of leaf-cutting bees (Megachile sp.) from Northern Sulawesi of Indonesia: study of morphology, morphometric and genetic characteristics

This study aims to identify of leaf-cutting bee (Megachile sp.) in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia, based on morphology, morphometrics, and genetic characteristics. This study was done from September 2022 to March 2023. Species identification of the bees was carried out at the Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense (MZB). Morphometric measurements were used 25 characters of the body and then analysed using ANOVA. Molecular analysis used the partial Mitochondrial DNA COI sequence. Extract DNA was done from the thorax and amplified by primers LCO 1490 and HCO 2198. Data analysis and the phylogenetic tree were reconstructed using MEGA 11. The results showed that based on morphological characteristics, this species resembles to Megachile atrata Smith., but is not identical based on the wing colours and fine blackish-brown hairs on the abdomen. Hence, we use the term Megachile sp., hereinafter, for this bee. Morphometric analysis showed that 7 characters have significant differences between the populations. Molecular analysis showed that this bee had a low level of species similarity with other Megachile, ranging from 86.47% to 89.39%, even though the closed genetic distance was M. takaoensis (OR231111.1), and the farthest was M. opacifrons (OR796342.1). This study has contributed to the DNA barcoding of this bee in the gene bank database for further research in the future. Further research on this bee is required for conservation and management purposes because this bee is an effective pollinator for crops