Landmark-Based Analysis of Honey Bee Wing Variation: Findings From Some Regions of Van, Hakkari (Türkiye) and Iran

Abstract

This study investigates the geometric morphometric characteristics of honey bee colonies selected from certain regions of Eastern Anatolia and Iran. Wing samples from 1738 worker bees were collected from stationary colonies in the districts of Van and Hakkari (T & uuml;rkiye), as well as Iran. Shape and size differences were examined using 20 landmark points on the right forewings of the samples. Procrustes ANOVA revealed significant differences between locations and apiaries (p<0.001). Canonical variate analysis (CVA) and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that Geva & scedil; and Iran samples differentiated from other groups. Discriminant function analysis showed significant differences among all locations (p<0.0001). Substantial differences were observed between Iran and other locations, followed by differences between Geva & scedil; and the other locations. The distribution pattern of Hakkari samples being closer to Iranian samples rather than Van samples emerged as an intriguing finding in the study. Deformation grid analysis highlighted specific landmark points contributing to these differences. The results indicate that the geometric morphometric differences in the region have been preserved, while also pointing to the potential hybridization effects caused by migratory beekeeping practices and queen bee trade. This study provides critical baseline data for understanding the morphological variation of honey bees in the region and highlights the importance of conserving locally adapted honey bee populations.