Scaptotrigona

Scaptotrigona is a genus of stingless bees in the tribe Melipini of the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera. Members of Scaptotrigona are eusocial and are found in the Neotropical region of Central and South America, where they inhabit tropical forests and woodland edges. The genus comprises numerous described species that vary in size, coloration, and nesting biology.

Colonies are founded by a single queen and include workers and males. They nest in hollow trees, rock crevices, or human-made cavities. Nests are built with cerumen, a resinous waxy material, and contain brood combs and several honey pots. Foraging workers gather nectar and pollen, and the colony maintains brood care and division of labor through age-related roles.

Meliponine honey produced by Scaptotrigona is typically stored in small pots and is often used locally for food and traditional medicine. The bees can be kept by people in a practice known as meliponiculture to provide honey and pollination services.

Conservation concerns include habitat loss, deforestation, pesticide exposure, and diseases. Many Scaptotrigona species have restricted ranges and face population declines in parts of their range. Protecting forests and supporting sustainable meliponiculture are among the strategies used to conserve these bees.