The type form A. m. mellifera sensu stricto originated in northern Europe, and has diversified as A. m. ligustica in southeastern Europe, including expansion into Asia Minor (A. m. caucasia). Although the African and European/Asian clades are essentially non-overlapping, the Mediterranean clade overlies all three, as well as the basal A. m. mellifera clade. The Afro-European Mediterranean clade overlies all three, as well as the basal A. m. mellifera clade. A. m. mellifera and A. m. iberiensis (M) are on the same side of the root as A. m. intermissa. 2, with African lineages first derived, and A. m. mellifera as outgroup to the Eurasian lineages.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 09, 2023 10:13 UTC