angustula

Angustula is a Latin-derived term commonly used as a species epithet in scientific names, rather than a standalone taxon. It originates from angustulus, meaning narrow or slender, and the feminine form angustula is used to agree with certain genus names.

The best-known usage is in the stingless bee species Tetragonula angustula, which was formerly placed in the genus Trigona as Trigona angustula. This bee is native to Southeast Asia and is valued in some regions for pollination and, to a lesser extent, honey production in meliponiculture. It typically nests in tree hollows or wooden cavities and contributes to tropical forest and urban ecosystem pollination.

Beyond this example, angustula appears in various other species names across plants and animals, reflecting a morphological note such as slenderness or narrow features. It is not a taxonomic rank or a distinct biological group by itself; rather, it is a descriptor embedded in binomial names.

Etymology and usage in taxonomy illustrate how Latin adjectives and diminutives are employed to convey observable traits within scientific nomenclature. While angustula may appear in multiple taxa, the most prominent contemporary reference remains the bee species Tetragonula angustula, which highlights the enduring role of morphological descriptors in classification.