A systematic bibliometric framework for morphometric studies in Apis mellifera: trends, subspecies discrimination, and environmental correlates

Abstract This study presents a systematic bibliometric framework to evaluate global morphometric research on Apis mellifera published between 1982 and 2024. Using a PRISMA-guided screening process and bibliometric analysis conducted with the Bibliometrix R package, a total of 199 peer-reviewed studies were analyzed to identify publication trends, methodological shifts, thematic structures, and geographic patterns. Bibliometric indicators highlight significant regional research disparities, with contributions concentrated in South America, Africa, and parts of Europe, while certain subspecies and hybrid zones remain underrepresented. The thematic evolution analysis reveals a growing convergence of morphometric methods with molecular genetics, population structure analysis, and environmental monitoring, emphasizing the increasing interdisciplinary nature of this field. This study contributes to the literature by offering a comprehensive, reproducible overview of the intellectual evolution of honey bee morphometrics, with a specific focus on its application to conservation strategies, subspecies identification, and the monitoring of environmental changes. The proposed framework serves as a valuable reference for future research that integrates morphometric techniques into global efforts addressing agricultural sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change.