Asian is rich in honey bee species and genetic diversity. Among the difference native honey bee species, Apis cerana is very diversity of subspecies and distribution as well. Until now, nine A. cerana subspecies have been named. However, natural diversity of this species is being declined by threats such as pest, disease, deforestation, pesticide positioning and climate change. Therefore, the understanding of morphological characteristics of A. cerana is viral for maintaining biological diversity. In this paper we give an overview of method that are used for distinguish honey bee A. cerana subspecies and ecotype that can contribute to recognize genetic origin of colonies for conservation and breeding purpose. Base on morphmetric method currently in use, we outline strategies for sampling and measuring morphological characteristics on A. cerana.

• Tran Van Toan(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Jeonju 560-500, Republic of Korea)
• Myeong Lyeol Lee(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Jeonju 560-500, Republic of Korea)
• Ha Sik Sim(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Jeonju 560-500, Republic of Korea)
• Hye Kyung Kim(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Jeonju 560-500, Republic of Korea)
• Gyu Ho Byuon(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Jeonju 560-500, Republic of Korea)
• Yong Soo Choi(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Jeonju 560-500, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author