Abstract
The history of the classification of Apis mellifera capensisis traced. The distributions of the traits thelytoky, ovariole number and spermatheca size of workers are given. Thelytoky in workers extends over 240 000 km 2 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 honey- bees are homogeneous; but differ in mtDNA haplotypes and nuclear DNA diversity. Morphometric analyses yield three distinct morphoclusters (A. m. capensis, 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. and A. m. are only meaningful if the precise geographical origins of the bees are specified. Apis mellifera capensis / Apis mellifera scutellata / classification / biogeography / thelytoky
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