# Microsatellite‐Based Genetic Analysis of a Wild Alpine Bumblebee and the Environmental Drivers of Its Genetic Diversity

## TL;DR

This study analyzes the genetic diversity of Bombus kashmirensis in Qinghai Province and finds that environmental factors influence its genetic variation.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the genetic structure and environmental drivers of genetic diversity in Bombus kashmirensis populations.

## Key findings

- High genetic diversity was observed with 382 alleles identified across 15 SSR loci.
- Two major genetic clusters were found corresponding to eastern and western regions.
- Environmental factors like latitude, longitude, solar radiation, and vapor pressure significantly influence genetic diversity.

## Abstract

Bombus kashmirensis
is a key ecological indicator species on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, and clarifying its genetic characteristics in Qinghai Province is essential for supporting bumblebee conservation and management efforts in this region. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, population structure, and environmental factors influencing genetic diversity in 539
B. kashmirensis
individuals from 36 geographic populations using 15 SSR markers. A total of 382 alleles were identified across the 15 SSR loci, with an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.85, indicating a high level of genetic polymorphism. The populations also exhibited high genetic diversity, with mean values of the number of alleles (N
a) = 10.03, Shannon's information index (I) = 1.98, and unbiased expected heterozygosity (uHe) = 0.84. Genetic differences among populations were generally low but variable, with Nei's genetic distance ranging from 0.130 to 0.710 and Fst values between 0.013 and 0.078. Consistent results from STRUCTURE, UPGMA, and PCoA analyses revealed two major genetic clusters corresponding to eastern and western regions. AMOVA at K = 2 further supported this pattern, showing that genetic variation between groups (2.00%) exceeded that among populations within groups (1.42%). Pearson correlation analysis identified longitude, latitude, solar radiation (July and September), and water vapor pressure (September) as significant environmental factors shaping population genetic diversity. These results provide essential baseline data for understanding the genetic diversity of
B. kashmirensis
and offer a scientific basis for its regional conservation and management.

High genetic diversity was detected in 539
B. kashmirensis
individuals from 36 populations in Qinghai Province using 15 SSR markers. STRUCTURE, UPGMA, and PCoA analyses revealed east–west genetic clustering of populations. Environmental factors such as latitude, longitude, solar radiation, and vapor pressure influence genetic diversity.