Measurement of the Exterior of Bees: Comparison of Methods

Abstract

In a comparison of two measurement methods using nonparametric criteria, we established that the measurement results for some exterior features obtained through one method were significantly different from the results obtained using another measurement method. Measurement using Altami Studio 3.4.0® (OOO“Altami”, Saint Petersburg, Russia) allows results to be generated with less trait variability between repeated measurements by one operator, as well as between operators, compared to MBS-9 (LOMO, St. Petersburg, Russia). With the help of an analysis of variance, we established that two factors influence the measurement results: the measurement method and the operator performing the measurement, as well as the interaction of these two factors. Repeated measurements using the software will allow operators to be identified who are prone to less variability of results, as well as control the accuracy of measurements.

Keywords

• exterior
• honey bee
• measurement method
• repeatability
• reproducibility