Variation of morphometric traits within populations of ground beetles anthia sexmaculata (Coleoptera : Carabidae)‎ located in different ecogeographical regions in Egypt

Abstract EN

The morphometric measurements of populations of Anthia sexmaculata in different regions were studied in Egypt.

A multivariate comparison of morphometric differences was undertaken by eyepiece micrometer on three different ecogeographical areas in Egypt; Western Mediterranean Coastal Desert (WMCD) (North Coast, Fouka and Mersa Matruh), Western Desert (Siwa, Bahariya and Dakhla Oases) and South Sinai (Saint Catherine and Taba Protected area and Sharm El Sheikh wadis).

Twenty-one morphometric traits were studied.

Traits best corresponding to the distinction of populations was distinguished by cluster and discriminant analysis (LDA).

The first and second discriminant axes (Axis1 and Axis2) recorded 88.38% and 11.62%, respectively, of the total variation in studied sample.

Multiple discriminant analysis revealed clear morphometric differences between West Mediterranean Costal Desert, Western Desert and South Sinai populations.

Traits connected with morphometric measurements are good characters for differentiation between carabid beetles, South Sinai population of A.

sexmaculatus have been shown to differ morphologically from the other populations in Egypt