Taxonomical features of the honey bee Apis mellifera

Taxonomic classification of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a complex task caused by a number of factors. Among them are hybridization between subspecies, blurred boundaries of their ranges, imperfect identification methods and intense anthropogenic impact. These factors significantly complicate the classification and systematization of subspecies, which makes the problem relevant for research. The article describes the distribution of 30 subspecies of honey bee in six evolutionary lines (A with sublineages Z, M, C and O with X, Y). The species range covers three regions: Africa (11 subspecies), West Asia and the Middle East (7 subspecies), and Europe (12 subspecies). Particular attention is paid to transitional zones, such as the Mediterranean, where hybridization between different subspecies leads to the formation of populations with intermediate morphometric and genetic characteristics, which complicates their systematization. Beekeeping, as an anthropogenic activity, has a significant impact on the spread of subspecies beyond their natural ranges. An example is the introduction of the Italian honeybee (A. m. ligustica) and the Carniolan honeybee (A. m. carnica) to Northern and Western Europe, which caused genetic mixing with populations of the dark forest honeybee (A. m. mellifera). Modern research methods, such as genome sequencing and fragment analysis of microsatellite loci, allow for a detailed analysis of the evolutionary relationships between subspecies. However, the mechanisms of bee adaptation to various environmental conditions are insufficiently studied. Genetic and morphological characteristics of subspecies play a key role in determining their taxonomic status. To preserve the genetic diversity of bees, it is necessary to reduce anthropogenic impact and control hybridization in border zones. This will preserve the unique genetic lines and adaptive abilities of bees, which is of great importance for the conservation of biodiversity and the development of beekeeping.