Volume 26, Plate XXVII / Entomology (Insects)

Melipona & Trigonis

Melipona postica, M. scutellaris, Trigona amalthea & T. ruficrus

The bees of Guadaloupe, probably of the genus Melipona, differ from European kinds, being diminutive, jet-black, and stingless, with the hinder tarsi triangular rather than square; the related Trigones are distinguished by toothed mandibles and by nesting in the open air. Their honey lies in cups the size of pigeon-eggs of soft deep-violet wax, while Guiana bees are small and black, some stinging powerfully and others harmless; Trigonis Amalthea builds a bagpipe-shaped nest holding reddish honey.