Geographical distribution and population variation of Apis mellifera jemenitica Ruttner

Journal Article

Ghamdi, Ahmad Al Khazim Al . 2013

• المجلة \ الصحيفة: Journal of Apicultural Research
• رقم العدد: 3
• رقم الإصدار السنوي: 52
• الصفحات: 124-133

مستخلص المنشور

Honey bees, Apis mellifera, occur naturally over vast and varied geographical areas, extending from Scandinavia in the north to the Cape of Good Hope in the south, and from Dakar in the west to Oman in the east. Different populations are adapted to a very wide range of climatic conditions (e.g., Ruttner et al., 1978). Apis mellifera colonies are found from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level (a.s.l.) in temperate zones and from sea level to 3,700 m a.s.l. in the tropics. They also survive in the hot and arid zones of Oman at 200 m a.s.l. (Dutton et al., 1981). A distribution over vast areas with extremely different climates has led to the diversification of honey bee morphology and behaviour, and, along with possible episodes of geographic isolation, has resulted in the many lineages and subspecies of A. mellifera. The different races of A. mellifera have evolved as a result of long periods of geographical isolation and ecological adaptation (e.g. Ruttner et al., 1978).