Morphometric Analysis in Stingless Bee (Apidae meliponini) Diversity

Abstract

Insects occur in large numbers. Therefore, it is important to have a system to identify the different species of insects. Traditional morphological identification of insects requires an experienced entomologist while molecular techniques require laboratory expertise and involve substantial costs. Due to that, there has been a dramatic increase of studies using morphometric analysis in understanding the systematics, taxonomy, and diversity of stingless bees. Morphometric analysis is a powerful tool as it is effective with minimum technical experience. It is a simple technique because of the current availability of cheap computer technology equipped with software, and at the same time, this method preserves the physical integrity of the shape measured. Morphometric analysis makes it credible to recognise morphological disparity and lead ways to explore the causes, both within and between, the stingless bee populations.