Measurement of the exterior of the bees: a comparison of methods

Various methods and techniques are used to determine the race affiliation and grading of honey bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758; Hymenoptera: Apidae) by using a different number of evaluated characters. This complicates the comparative analysis of data obtained from different sources. At the same time, the use of equipment in measurements without taking into account distortion and calibration, leads to erroneous data.
The main objective of the study was to compare two measurement methods (using the MBS-9 stereo microscope and a personal computer using Altami Studio 3.4.0 software) of the exterior signs of honey bees. The operators alternately (three times) measured using first one measurement method (MBS-9) and then another (computer + Altami Studio 3.4.0).A comparison of the two measurement methods using nonparametric criteria made it possible to establish that the measurement results of some exterior features obtained using one method are significantly different from the results obtained using another measurement method. Based on the data obtained, the coefficients of variation were calculated between the averages over the measurements obtained by one operator and between the operators for each of the two measurement methods. Measurement using Altami Studio 3.4.0 allows you to get results with less trait variability between repeated measurements of one operator and between operators, compared to MBS-9. Using the analysis of variance, it was 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. The use of software and repeated measurements in it will allow identifying operators prone to less variability of results, as well as control the accuracy of measurements.