Morphometric Traits Research Articles

A Study on Some Biological Parameters of Crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823) in Ulugöl, Samsun, Turkey

The study aimed to investigate some morphometric traits, length-weight relationship, meat yield, fecundity and some biochemical compositions of Astacus leptodactylus, in one of the Bafra Fish Lakes named Ulugöl, Samsun, Turkey. A total of 378 A. leptodactylus (198 female and 180 male) were examined. The average carapace length was 50.96±0.46 mm for females, 51.31±0.66 mm for males and 51.13±0.40 mm for all sampled crayfish. Abdomen length was 52.36±0.49 mm for females, 49.26±0.62 mm for males and 50.87±0.40 mm for all sampled crayfish. Live weight was between 14.38 g and 105.03 g with an average of 38.26±0.73 g. The average weight of females was less than that of males. There was a strong relationship between length and weight. The weight of crayfish with pleopodal eggs ranged from 28.24 g, to 59.50 g with an average of 41.73±1.09g. The average number of eggs per individuals was 192.90±9.94 with an average number of 4.62±0.21 per unit of live weight. The average total egg weight was 3.35±0.19 g while the average egg diameter was 2.17±0.03 mm. Abdomen meat was lower for males comparing with females. Average moisture, crude ash, crude oil and crude protein of abdomen meat were 81.27%, 1.47%, 0.81% and 16.45%, respectively.

The identity and distribution of striped bagrid catfish, Mystus tengara (Hamilton 1822) revealed through integrative taxonomy.

The taxonomic status and geographical distribution of M. tengara are vague. No genetic diversity and phylogenetic study have been done till now to resolve its identity and distribution. In the present study, an integrated taxonomic approach has been applied to clarify the taxonomic status, identity, and distribution of bagrid catfish, Mystus tengara. Comparative morphometric evaluation of M. tengara identified in the present study from distant geographical locations revealed variations of the traits in response to body length and environment, without significant genetic distance. The observed morphometric traits of M. tengara were found to be overlapping with available morphometric traits of M. tengara, M. carcio and M. vittatus. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene also could not resolve their identity, and five paraphyletic clades comprising of M. tengara, M. vittatus, and M. carcio from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh were observed. Morphological and genetic evidence along with comparative evaluation of M. tengara, from its type locality, we consider M. tengara identified in the present study to be true, with its distribution extending from North East India to West Bengal, North India, Central India, Northern peninsular India, and Bangladesh. The observation of paraphyletic subclades and evaluation of genetic distance between subclades reveals the presence offour cryptic species. Further confirmation on the identity of M. vittatus and M. carcio, by an integrated taxonomic approach based on fresh specimens collected from the type locality, is required.

English

This study aimed to phenotypically characterize indigenous Tswana sheep under its natural environment and develop prediction equations for body weight using linear body measurements in Kgatleng, Kweneng, Southern and South-East districts of Botswana. Multistage purposive sampling was used for selection of districts. Data on qualitative characters and quantitative measurements were made on 665 sheep stratified by dentition into four age categories (0PPI, 1PPI, 2PPI and ≥3PPI). Both qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System. Most Tswana sheep were characterized by plain coat color pattern with white dominating and plain white colors, short-fat tails with a straight tip, horizontal ears, no horns and wattles. District, sex and age had a significant influence on body weight and most linear body measurements. The highest correlation between body weight and heart girth for both sexes indicate that heart girth explained more variation than other measurements thus is the best variable for predicting body weight in both sexes. The best predicted body weight model for males is y=-64.15+1.28x and y=-53.47+1.14x for females where x and y are heart girth and body weight, respectively. This study reveals existence of diversity of sheep genetic resources across districts, indicating their potential response to selection. Key words: Body weight, characterization, morphometric traits, Tswana sheep.

Floral traits and reproductive success variation among inflorescence orders in Eryngium maritimum.

Eryngium maritimum L. is considered a key species in dunes of the western Mediterranean. Although Northern European populations are endangered, the Mediterranean populations show a good conservation status, despite a lack of studies of the reproductive requirements and strategies of this species. This study aims to analyse the reproductive biology of a population of E. maritimum in the western Mediterranean (Balearic Islands, Spain), specifically focusing on differences in morphometric and reproductive traits among inflorescence orders. Capitulum size, number of flowers, fruit set and seed set were analysed to evaluate the morphological and reproductive differences among inflorescence orders. The association between subterranean development and investment in reproductive structures was also studied along the dune location. Breeding system was analysed, evaluating self-pollination capacity at capitulum level and the pollen/ovary ratio. Finally, floral visitors were assessed. Morphometric and reproductive traits showed a decline in size and production from early to subsequent inflorescence orders. A correlation between width of stem base (caudex) and number of reproductive structures was observed, whereas seashore distance did not affect the reproductive development. Flowering occurred during summer, from May until late July, while fructification took place from the middle of August until the last days of September. Pollinator exclusion treatments induced a fruit and seed set decline. Twenty-one species of floral visitor were found. First and second inflorescence orders contributed to the generation of seeds, displaying high fruit and seed production, while other inflorescence orders seemed to attract pollinators. Reproductive and non-reproductive development could depend on the capacity to reallocate resources from underground to aerial structures, which seemed to be superior in samples with highly developed caudices. In the studied population, inner areas closest to the seashore showed a delay in anthesis, which could be related to microclimate differences along the coast-to-inland gradient. Pollination is strongly entomophilous and showed low levels of self-compatibility at capitulum level. Considering these results, for habitat conservation the reported microclimate diversity should be taken into consideration, with a focus on conservation of the pollinator populations.

Morphological variability within the indigenous sheep population of Benin.

Knowledge of both the genetic diversity and geographical distribution of animal genetic resources is a prerequisite for their sustainable utilization, improvement and conservation. The present study was undertaken to explore the current morphological variability within the sheep population in Benin as a prelude for their molecular characterization. From November 2018 to February 2020, 25 quantitative linear body measurements and 5 qualitative physical traits were recorded on 1240 adult ewes from the 10 phytogeographic zones that comprise the three vegetation zones of Benin. Fourteen morphological indices were calculated based on the linear body measurements. The collected data were first analyzed using multiple comparisons of least-square means (LSmeans), followed by generalized linear model (GLM) procedures, to explore the relationships among the measured morphometric traits and the 10 phytogeographic zones. Next, the presence of any genetic sub-populations was examined using multivariate analytical methods, including canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) and ascending hierarchical clustering (AHC). Univariate analyses indicated that all quantitative linear body measurements varied significantly (P<0.05) across the phytogeographic zones. The highest values (LSmean± standard error) of withers height (68.3±0.47 cm), sternum height (46.0±0.35 cm), and rump height (68.8±0.47 cm) were recorded in the Mekrou-Pendjari zone, the drier phytogeographic zone in the North, whereas the lowest values, 49.2±0.34, 25.9±0.26, and 52.0±0.35 cm, respectively, were recorded in the Pobe zone in the South. Multivariate analyses revealed the prevalence of four distinct sheep sub-populations in Benin. The sub-population from the South could be assimilated to the short-legged and that from the North to the West African long-legged sheep. The two other sub-populations were intermediate and closer to the crossbreeds or another short-legged sub-breed. The proportion of individuals correctly classified in their group of origin was approximately 74%. These results uncovered a spatial morphological variation in the Beninese sheep population along a South-North phytogeographic gradient.

Improved micropropagation, morphometric traits and photosynthetic pigments content using liquid culture system in Spathoglottis plicata Blume

Improved micropropagation, morphometric traits and photosynthetic pigments content using liquid culture system in Spathoglottis plicata Blume

Genetic diversity and population structure of Artemia franciscana from southeast coast of India

The invader brine shrimp Artemia franciscana is a micro-crustacean with diverse morphology and morphometric traits that are found in hypersaline habitats of Asian countries. In this study, we used the mtDNA control region to assess the impact of colonization of A. franciscana on genetic diversity and population structure encountered in different sampling sites of the southeast coast of India. Samples were collected from four hypersaline habitats includes Kelambakkam (KBM); Vedaranyam (VDM); Tuticorin (TUT) and Nagarcoil (NGC). Genetic diversity of the populations were assessed based on the sequence of a conserved region of the mtDNA control region (CR). For this study, a primer based on the conserved region of a closely related crustacean group was used to sequence the 493 bp of the mtDNA CR. Results indicated a clear demarcation with the existence of sequence divergence between the populations studied. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic studies revealed that the population of TUT, VDM and NGC formed a single cluster whereas the KBM formed a separate cluster with distinct genetic characteristics. The mean haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of the four populations were found to be 0.742 ± 0.060 and 0.012 ± 0.016, respectively. Interestingly, we observed that these different populations had unique haplotypes varying with their habitats, demonstrating sequence divergence in the homogenous population of A. franciscana despite them being in a similar geographic zone.

Morphometric traits as drivers for module structures and species specialization: a study about the hermit crab–gastropod networks from three different regions on the Brazilian coast

AbstractThe relationship between hermit crabs (Paguroidea) and gastropod shells has attracted the attention of researchers toward a network approach. These networks seem to present recurrent patterns that are often modular, i.e., a pattern in which the network can be divided into compartments that represent species interacting more with species belonging to its own compartment than with species composing another compartment. A modular interaction network occurs when species tend to interact more intensively within subsets of species (modules) than with species outside of it. Since modularity is a characteristic in which different hermit crabs interact with different sub‐sets of shells, we proposed that these patterns should be a reflection of different morphometric traits, as well as that species specialization (measure which indicates if a given species is specialist or generalist in resource use) could be related to such traits. Three different hermit crab–shell networks in which the modularity and species specialization have already been determined were chosen. The animals were sampled in three different regions with the same sampling effort in the same type of substrate. After sampling, the animals were taken to the laboratory where they were identified and measured. A PERMANOVA was used for the hermit crab morphometric traits from each region using each compartment as grouping variable. In order to test if morphometric traits influence species specialization (d′), linear mixed models were created and selected through Akaike's Information Criterion. Our data show that hermit crabs presented different morphometric traits in each module they occupied. Also, d′ was influenced by morphometric traits; thus, hermit crabs with different sizes need different types of shells, which reflect in different specialization levels.

A new species of South America marsh rat (Holochilus, Cricetidae) from northeastern Brazil

AbstractMarsh rats of the genus Holochilus are broadly distributed and inhabit several distinct environments throughout South America. As an enigmatic group with a somewhat uncertain taxonomy, the composition and names of taxa have shifted throughout history, including the boundaries of Holochilus sciureus, a species formerly distributed in the lowlands of the Guianas, Peru, Bolivia, and northern, central, and northeastern of Brazil. Based on a combination of morphological and morphometric traits, and genomic sequences, we redefined species boundaries and split this wide concept of H. sciureus into three separated species, including a redefined H. sciureus, the newly erected from synonymy H. nanus, and an unnamed taxon. We describe this unnamed species, and provide emended diagnoses for the two redefined species. The newly named taxon inhabits the northeastern part of Brazil and differs from the other congeners by a unique combination of phenotypic and genomic characters.

Revealing the genetic diversity of teosinte introgressed maize population by morphometric traits and microsatellite markers

Revealing the genetic diversity of teosinte introgressed maize population by morphometric traits and microsatellite markers

Sheep meat production in the Brazilian semi-arid region: crossing between indigenous breeds.

Investigations in the Brazilian semi-arid region evaluating the performance and carcass traits of sheep of indigenous breeds and their crossings have been performed; however, these studies use exotic breeds which produce precocious lambs with heavier carcasses, but not adapted to climatic conditions and the extensive production system, jeopardizing the sustainability of the sheep production system. We crossed between three indigenous breeds: Morada Nova (MN - maternal breed); Rabo Largo (RL - paternal breed), and Santa Inês (SI - paternal breed) with the objective of evaluating the effect of genotype and sex on the performance and carcass traits of purebred and crossbred animals. A total of 30 lambs, males and females, reared in a semi-intensive system were evaluated. Birth and weaning weights were 2.26 ± 0.53 and 7.31 ± 1.85, respectively. All lambs were slaughtered at 10months of age. A completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme (three genotypes and two sexes) was used. Multivariate techniques were also performed to reduce group and discriminate variables. Birth and weaning weight were similar (P > 0.05) among genetic groups and sexes. The weight gain, carcass and morphometric trait characteristics, and the main commercial cuts were higher in crossbred lambs (P < 0.05). All indicators have discriminatory power between genotypes and sexes, but the carcass traits have a higher discriminatory power (P < 0.001). All genotypes, regardless of sex, have particular characteristics, i.e. MN × SI was characterized by greater forelimb and ham perimeters (P < 0.001), and the MN × RL by higher hot carcass weight and finish (P = 0.001). The cluster analysis and the heatmap plot revealed associations between SI and the size of cuts and RL with the cut commercial yield and the reduction in weight loss due to cooling. Our findings confirm the hypothesis that crossing between indigenous breeds represents an adequate alternative in sheep meat production systems in semi-arid regions. Finally, we encourage the use of indigenous breeds for sheep meat production with breed identity in order to favor the conservation of genetic resources and the sustainability of the production system.

Relationships between body weight and some linear morphometric traits in Nigerian Nsukka ecotype local hens

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Body weight (BW) and linear body measurements of 120 Nigerian Nsukka ecotype local hens in terms of body length (BL), chest girth (CG), thigh circumference (TC), thigh length (TL), and shank length (SL) were taken and subjected to Pearson correlation analysis to obtain the relationship between these growth traits. Multiple Linear Stepwise Regression procedure was used to find the best linear combination of the linear body measurements that can best predict BW. The findings showed that linear body measurement traits of Nigerian heavy ecotype local hens were strongly (p &lt; 0.01) and positively correlated (0.5 &lt; r) except thigh length which recorded a moderate value (0.3 &lt; r &gt; 0.5). The regression equations of linear body measurement traits with BW were positive with coefficient of determination ranging from 60.5-74.6%. The stepwise analyses showed shank length as best single measurement with R2 = 0.605, while inclusion of our five predictors in an equation resulted in R2 = 0.746. Thus, the following equation was generated: BW = – 1485.70 + 82.06 SL + 58.34 BL + 38.70 TC + 8.39 CG + 3.85 TL. This showed that they accounted for 74.6% of the variations in the BW of Nigerian heavy ecotype local hens. The prediction equations generated from linear body measurement traits are positive and strong, therefore can accurately be employed to predict the relative BW of Nigerian heavy ecotype local hens during selection programs as well as in the market with the use of measuring tape.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Multivariate analysis of wild rice MAGIC population under sodic soil condition

A study was conducted with 98 wild rice MAGIC lines under sodic soil conditions to estimate potential variation among rice genotypes. Observations on 12 morphometric traits were subjected to multivariate analyses viz., PCA and cluster analysis to assess genetic diversity. A correlogram was generated to depict the association among the traits. Results of ANOVA suggested the existence of significant variability among the lines. PCA showed that PC1 and PC2 represented 54 per cent of variation. PC1 accounted for the highest variance (38 %) for six characters followed by PC2 which accounted for (15 %) for four characters. Flag leaf area, plant height, panicle length, flag leaf length, flag leaf breadth and panicle breadth were identified as vital traits contributing to variability. Based on hierarchical cluster analysis, the genotypes were grouped into eight clusters. Correlation analysis suggested that the traits viz., number of productive tillers, number of grains per panicle, panicle length and 100 grain weight had a significant correlation with grain yield. Based on per se performance and correlation, the genotypes WRM 6, WRM 10, WRM 22, WRM 29 and WRM 105 were identified as superior and could be exploited as genetic stocks for rice improvement under sodic soil conditions. Key words: Rice, MAGIC, principal components, cluster analysis, correlation

SAP30 Gene Is a Probable Regulator of Muscle Hypertrophy in Chickens.

Animals with muscle hypertrophy phenotype are targeted by the broiler industry to increase the meat production and the quality of the final product. Studies characterizing the molecular machinery involved with these processes, such as quantitative trait loci studies, have been carried out identifying several candidate genes related to this trait; however, validation studies of these candidate genes in cell culture is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate SAP30 as a candidate gene for muscle development and to validate its function in cell culture in vitro. The SAP30 gene was downregulated in C2C12 muscle cell culture using siRNA technology to evaluate its impact on morphometric traits and gene expression by RNA-seq analysis. Modulation of SAP30 expression increased C2C12 myotube area, indicating a role in muscle hypertrophy. RNA-seq analysis identified several upregulated genes annotated in muscle development in treated cells (SAP30-knockdown), corroborating the role of SAP30 gene in muscle development regulation. Here, we provide experimental evidence of the involvement of SAP30 gene as a regulator of muscle cell hypertrophy.

Performance evaluation of Gurez sheep in farmer’s flocks—A threatened sheep breed of Kashmir

Gurez is an indigenous breed of sheep native to the Gurez Valley of J&amp;K, India. Despite being a unique genetic resource, this breed is largely unexplored and meagre studies have been conducted on it. Hence, a comprehensive study was conducted to study the breed in its native breeding tract. Data on growth, wool, reproduction and morphometric traits of Gurez sheep maintained under farmers' flocks in its native tract were recorded and analyzed for performance evaluation as well as the farming practices in that area with regards to the breed. Screening for parasites and brucellosis, blood biochemistry and mineral profile were also conducted. This triple purpose breed produces milk, meat as well as apparel quality wool. The average values for wool traits were 76.12, 28.31, 4.42, 5.35 and 8.18 for clean wool yield (CWY) (%), fibre diameter (FD) (μ), staple length (SL) (cm), crimps per cm (NCPC) and medullation (%), respectively. The coefficient of variations % of these traits ranged from low to very high indicating that the traits had low to very high variability. The least squares mean for clean wool yield (%), fiber diameter (μ), staple length (cm), crimps per cm and medullation (%) were 77.07±0.33, 29.83±0.41, 4.80±0.17, 5.04±0.28 and 9.26±0.79, respectively. The sexual dimorphism was observed in favour of males with respect to all these traits. Age had non-significant effect on these traits in the present study. Black wool samples were having higher estimates of FD, CWY (%), SL and medullation (%). NCPC was higher for white wool samples. Conservation of this unique breed and its selective breeding is highly recommended. The incidence of Eimeria (37.50%) was found to be highest in the area.

Possibility to change the body size in worker bees by a combination of small-cell and standard-cell combs in the same nest

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of the combination of the colony type (kept on small-cell or standard-cell combs) and the width of worker comb cells (small-cell or standard-cell combs) on the body weight and morphometric traits of worker bees. The values of morphometric parameters of worker bees changed within a substantially lower range than the width of their rearing cells. This indicates that the worker body size is relatively constant, and manipulation with the cell width is not a good method for modeling the body size of workers. The reduction in the thorax weight was proportional to the decrease in the comb cell width, and this part of the body proved to be most susceptible to weight reduction caused by the use of small-cell combs. The rearing of workers in small-cell combs in the colony kept on standard-cell combs resulted in an increase in the value of the fill factor (thorax width to cell width ratio). The relatively constant body size of workers in combination with the use of small-cell combs resulting in an increase in the fill factor may be one of the determinants of increased resistance of the insects to Varroa destructor. The values of the morphometric traits commonly used for identification of honeybee subspecies, i.e., the length of the fore wing, the sum of the widths of 3rd and 4thth tergites, and the proboscis length, were inconsiderably altered vs. the changes in the comb cell width, which confirms their high suitability for identification of honeybee subspecies.

Phenotypic variability in the Old World bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera(Hübner) populations in India

AbstractHelicoverpa armigera(Hübner) is one of the most prominent polyphagous species of the Heliothinae pest complex that inflicts severe damage to a wide range of crops in India. Knowledge regarding the population structure of the pest species, whether morphological or genetic, is considered as an essential tool in making effective management decisions. Thus here, we performed the phenotypic characterization ofH. armigerapopulations collected from varied geographic locations across India. Studied populations differed significantly for several external morphometric traits studied at larval, pupal and adult stages. Significant differences were also observed with respect to the intensity of black pigmentation on larval body as well as adult eye and forewing colour patterns. Besides external phenotypic traits, the length of genital organs like aedeagus and valva in males, and bursa copulatrix and bursa seminalis in females also differed significantly amongst populations. The dendrogram based on selected traits showed clear cut differentiation of studied populations into two major groups, one including all the South Zone populations and the other having populations from North and Central Zones. Differences based on phenotyping in the present study indicate the possibility of the existence of different subspecies within the Indian populations ofH. armigera.

Does body size influence mating success? A morphometric study of two Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) fruit fly species.

Male mating success depends on various traits and factors, and correctly identifying these traits can be key in the context of pest management. For tephritid pests, controlled through the sterile insect technique (SIT) traits, such as male size, can be manipulated through mass-rearing procedures. Thus, it is particularly important to understand whether male size can favor mating success. Here, we evaluated mating success of males of different sizes in Anastrepha ludens and Anastrepha obliqua, two species controlled through SIT. For both species, a morphometric analysis was performed of mated and unmated mass-reared and wild males in field cages. In both A. ludens and A. obliqua, wild females did not discriminate their mates based on male size and mated more frequently with wild males regardless of size. For mass-reared males, we found no evidence of an advantage of the large males compared to small males in mating success. However, we did find differences between the morphometric traits of mass-reared and wild males. In A. ludens, traits associated to mating success were Face Width (FW), Head Width (HW), Thorax Length (TL) and Wing Length (WL), and for A. obliqua were FW, HW, WL and WW (Wing Width). Overall, FW and TL were more consistent predictors of mating success. In conclusion, female choice seems to suggest multivariate selection, confirming that overall body size (expressed as pupal diameter, which is highly correlated with weight) is not a decisive factor in male mating success in these two species. However, morphological traits such as FW, HW, TL, WL and WW may be relevant in mating preference of wild female.

Biostimulatory Action of Vegetal Protein Hydrolysate and the Configuration of Fruit Physicochemical Characteristics in Grafted Watermelon

Foliar application of a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate as a biostimulant was assessed for possible interaction with the ripening of diploid watermelon grafted onto interspecific hybrid rootstock. Assessment encompassed crop performance; fruit morphometric and sensory quality traits; soluble carbohydrates; macrominerals; and bioactive composition at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days post anthesis (dpa). The biostimulant effect on yield components was confounded by the vigorous rootstock effect. Pulp firmness declined precipitously with cell enlargement from 10 to 30 dpa, and the biostimulant phyto-hormonal potential on firmness and rind thickness was masked by grafting. Pulp colorimetry was determined solely by ripening and peaked at 40 dpa. The biostimulant effect reduced lycopene content by 8% compared to the control. Total sugars coevolved with soluble solids content, peaked at 30 dpa, and then stabilized. Fructose and glucose prevailed during rapid fruit growth from 10 to 30 dpa and sucrose prevailed at advanced ripeness between 40–50 dpa, whereas acidity peaked at 20 dpa and then decreased. Potassium, which was the most abundant micromineral, peaked before full ripeness at 30 dpa. The biostimulant effect on the watermelon fruit ripening process is not granted, at least regarding the conditions this study was carried out under. The absence of biostimulant effect might relate to rootstock vigorousness, the grafted watermelon physiology, or the type of biostimulant used.

Defensive Behavior and Morphometric Variation in Apis mellifera Colonies From Two Different Agro-Ecological Zones of North-Western Argentina

European lineages of Apis mellifera were first introduced into America for beekeeping purposes. A subsequent introduction and accidental release of A. m. scutellata resulted in hybridization events that gave rise to Africanized populations that rapidly spread throughout the continent. In Argentina, Africanized honey bees (AHBs) have been mostly detected in northern regions of the territory, and represent a valuable genetic resource for the selection of stocks with advantageous characteristics for beekeeping. The objective of the present study was to profile honey bee colonies of wild origin with potential beneficial traits for apiculture using morphological, molecular and behavioral traits. Honey bee colonies chosen for evaluation were located in two different agro-ecological regions in north-western Argentina (Tucumán province): The Chaco Depressed Plain (Leales apiary) and the Piedmont (Famaillá apiary). Each apiary was surveyed three times during the 2017–2018 season (mid-season, wintertime, and early spring) for: brood population, phoretic Varroa level and defensive behavior (run, fly, sting, and hang). At the midpoint of the beekeeping season colonies were also characterized by morphometry (45 variables) and mitochondrial haplotypes (COI–COII intergenic region). Apiaries studied showed similar patterns throughout the beekeeping season, for most of the characteristics monitored. However, significant variation in defensive behavior parameters was found between apiaries at the different times of evaluation. Twelve of 45 morphometric variables also showed significant differences between apiaries. The mitochondrial haplotype analysis revealed a high representation of African A4 and A1 haplotypes (91%) in both apiaries. Haplotype variation was associated with morphometric and behavioral traits. Multivariate analyses [principal component analysis (PCA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA)] including morphometric and behavior variables explained 65.3% (PCA) and 48.1% (PCoA) of the variability observed between colonies in the first two components. Several morphometric parameters and “fly” behavior were mainly associated with the separation of the colonies. The results from this study point to a possible association between morphometric and behavioral variation and the adaptation of honey bee colonies to differential agro-ecological conditions. We discuss how the detected variation between apiaries can be used for the selection and preservation of honey bee ecotypes in regional breeding programs.