Wing morphometrics indicates the existence of two distinct phenotypic clusters within population of Tetragonula iridipennis (Apidae: Meliponini) from India

Abstract

Description of biodiversity is often cited as one of the most important actions necessary for conservation programs. There are more than 600 species of stingless bees spread over the Tropical regions of the world; though for various species, little is known about their biology and taxonomy. We sampled bees from feral colonies from various regions of India and compared them using wing morphology. The results of population analysis of the patterns of wing venation, using geometric morphometric techniques, suggested the existence of at least two phenotypic clusters within our samples of the so-called Tetragonula iridipennis complex. These findings were supported by other features, including differences in nest architecture. This helps to explain the patterns of variability found in stingless bees in India and also will be valuable for conservation planning.