Morphmetric analysis of apis cerana populations in Huangshan, China

Abstract

A b s t r a c t Honey bees (Apis cerana Fabricius) were collected from 195 colonies at seven different localities spanning the main beekeeping areas in Huangshan. Morphometric methods were used to measure seven standard morphometric characters, and these bees were compared to samples from the Henan, Shandong, and Yunnan provinces. Principal component analysis of the total Huangshan database yielded two clusters: bees from Jinxian and Jixixian, and those from other localities. Within the latter cluster, discriminant and hierarchical cluster analyses revealed overlapping regional sub-clusters: bees from Huangshanqu, Qimenxian, Huizhouqu, and Shexian, and those from Yixian. Significant differences between the means of the three clusters were demonstrated using Wilks' lambda statistic. Morphocluster separation was related to altitude differences. Moreover, we noted some regions with high intercolonial variance, suggesting introgression among these defined honeybee populations.

Genetic structure of Mount Huang honey bee (Apis cerana) populations: evidence from microsatellite polymorphism

“…There are limited population genetic studies of Mount Huangshan A. cerana , using microsatellite analysis. A previous study by Yu et al [13], using morphometric analysis reported similar finding. Therefore, our study adds to the knowledge of the genetic changes that may be occurring in this important endemic honey bee population.…”

“…The locations where honey bee samples were collected were mentioned in Yu et al [13]. The number and size of alleles, the value of Ho and He are listed in Additional file 1: Table S1.…”

“…Adult workers from 190 colonies were collected from seven locations covering the main bee keeping areas in Huangshan [13], south of Anhui province in China (Wannan). Over 25 colonies were obtained from Jing County (JC), Huangshan District (HSD), Qimen County (QMC), and Yi County (YC), whereas 30 colonies were collected from Jixi County (JXC), She County (SC) and Huizhou District (HZD).…”