Apis mellifera capensis: An essay on the subspecific classification of honeybees

Abstract

The history of the classification of Apis mellifera capensis is traced. The distributions of the traits thelytoky, ovariole number and spermatheca size of workers are given. Thelytoky in workers extends over 240 000 km2 and the ratio of female/male progeny in laying worker offspring is clinal. Ovariole numbers are also clinal but spermatheca size is not. Allozymically, southern African honeybees are homogeneous; but differ in mtDNA haplotypes and nuclear DNA diversity. Morphometric analyses yield three distinct morphoclusters (A. m. capensis, A. m. scutellata, and unnamed mountain bees). Conventional morphometric classification is incongruous with the mode of parthenogenesis and distribution of mtDNA and nuclear DNA diversity in the honeybees of southern Africa. The terms "A. m. capensis" and "A. m. scutellata" are only meaningful if the precise geographical origins of the bees are specified.