Adaptation of Apis mellifera jemenitica (Hymenoptera: Apidae) to high temperatures: Morphological, behavioural, and physiological aspects

Abstract

Temperature affects the distribution and success of Apis mellifera subspecies. To survive high temperatures in their natural habitats, unique adaptive traits have been evolved by various A. mellifera subspecies. A. mellifera jemenitica is a sub-tropical subspecies that is native to the Arabian Peninsula. It is one of the most thermotolerant A. mellifera subspecies and the only subspecies that can successfully survive long summers with daily temperatures exceeding 45°C in the Arabian Peninsula. In hot, dry conditions and short seasons, A. m. jemenitica can successfully establish its colonies. In this article, the different morphological, behavioural and physiological aspects of the thermal adaptation of A. m. jemenitica, which are its size, pigmentation, brood cell size, seasonal cycle, foraging behaviour, heat shock proteins and life genes are discussed. These aspects account for how A. m. jemenitica can withstand and survive the high summer temperatures on the Arabian Peninsula.

Keywords

• honeybee
• body size
• pigmentation
• heat shock protein
• foraging
• colony dynamics
• brood cells