Geometric Morphometric Characterization of Isolated Colonies of Honeybees (Apis mellifera intermissa) in Northern Algeria

This study investigates morpho-geometric variations in wing conformations among honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) populations in Algeria, focusing on Apis mellifera intermissa in the northern zone.It addresses the threats posed by human beekeeping practices and hybridization.The analysis involves collecting and digitizing 445 honeybee specimens from nine localities in northern Algeria: Batna, Blida, Constantine, Cheffa, Jijel, Mila, Setif, Skikda, and Tipaza.Statistical assessments reveal significant wing anatomy variations across these zones.Principal Component Analysis identifies distinct shapes within populations, with notable differences in specific regions.Discriminant Analysis classifies samples into three groups, showcasing the model's effectiveness.The Mahalanobis D distances provides insights into population similarities and differences, emphasizing the potential of morpho-geometric analysis in differentiating bee populations.The study concludes by highlighting the significance of size-independent data, offering recommendations for capturing honeybee diversity in different climatic zones of northern Algeria.This research advances our understanding of honeybee morphology in relation to environmental dynamics, providing valuable insights for preserving indigenous bee races and exploring biodiversity.