Data from: Population genetic structure of Bombus terrestris in Europe: isolation and genetic differentiation of Irish and British populations

The genetic structure of the earth bumblebee (Bombus terrestris L.) was examined across 22 wild populations using eight microsatellite loci and two mitochondrial genes. Our study included bumblebee samples from six populations from Ireland, one from the Isle of Man, four from Britain, 11 from mainland Europe and two commercially reared populations were also studied. A further sample was acquired from New Zealand. Observed levels of genetic variability and heterozygosity were low in Ireland and the Isle of Man, but relatively high in continental European and commercial populations. Estimates of Fst revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations. Bayesian cluster analysis indicated that Irish populations were highly differentiated from British and continental populations, the latter two showing higher levels of admixture. The data suggest that the Irish Sea and prevailing south westerly winds act as a considerable geographical barrier to gene flow between populations in Ireland and Britain; however, some immigration from the Isle of Man to Ireland was detected. The results are discussed in the context of recent bumblebee commercialization for the European horticultural industry.