Mellitusta

Mellitusta is a genus of bees in the family Apidae, commonly known as stingless bees. These social insects are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. They are characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 2 to 5 millimeters in length, and their inability to sting. Instead of stinging, they defend themselves by biting or releasing a sticky secretion.

Stingless bees are important pollinators, playing a crucial role in the ecosystems where they live. They live in large colonies, often numbering in the thousands, and construct their nests in various locations such as tree cavities, hollow logs, or underground. Their nests are typically made of a waxy substance called cerumen, a mixture of beeswax and plant resins.

The social structure of mellitusta colonies is complex, with distinct roles for the queen, workers, and drones. The queen is responsible for reproduction, while workers perform tasks such as foraging for nectar and pollen, nest building, and brood care. Drones are male bees whose primary function is to mate with a new queen.

Mellitusta bees are known for producing a unique type of honey, often referred to as stingless bee honey or meliponine honey. This honey is typically more liquid and acidic than that of honeybees and is prized for its distinct flavor and potential medicinal properties. The collection and use of this honey have a long history among indigenous communities in their native regions.