Genetic Diversity in Apis mellifera

Apis mellifera is a widespread species that has differentiated into numerous geographic races or subspecies. These subspecies differ in various characteristics such as morphology, behavior, ecology, sensitivity to diseases and biochemical components. Since the first discovery of a biochemical polymorphism in honey bees by Mestriner some 20 years ago, many authors have published data on allozyme variation in this species. Apis mellifera is a highly differentiated species. This is especially revealed by morphometric techniques which, in spite of their imprecision at the genetic level, are generally the most powerful tool for discrimination among populations. Morphometric data are not well suited for inferring phytogenies since powerful selective factors may result in convergence. For instance, the body size and length of hairs vary gradually along climatic gradients. However, Ruttner based his evolutionary hypothesis not only on paleoclimatic and paleogeographic knowledge but also on morphometrical data.