Characterisation and tracking changes of morphological characteristics in honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies

Measuring morphological characteristics of honey bee, Apis mellifera, at different times is important to assess the degree of race purity, to predict colony productivity, and to understand environmental impacts on honey bees. The study aims to characterise current honey bees of Northwest Egypt, namely El-Behera governorate, and to track occurred changes to their morphological characteristics since 2007. Samples of honey bee workers were collected from four districts in El- Behera governorate. Nine body and six wing characteristics were measured. Morphological characteristics of honey bees belonging to these districts were previously measured during 2007. To track changes, a comparison between new (2014) and previous (2007) measurements of morphological characteristics was done. The current bees of El-Behera are slightly larger than those of 2007, emphasising no reduction in colonies productivity. There is evidence that environmental factors have not caused much stress on the colonies since 2007. The results of this study are useful in providing understanding of the current state of bees in Egypt, and the likely improvement of future beekeeping.