MELIPONINI Meaning and
Definition
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Meliponini is a taxonomic tribe within the family Apidae, commonly referred to as stingless bees. They are a diverse group of eusocial, non-aggressive bees found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. With over 500 known species, meliponini represent a significant component of bee biodiversity.
Stingless bees, as the name suggests, lack a stinger, which distinguishes them from other bee groups. Their small size, ranging from a few millimeters to around 8mm, makes them much smaller than honeybees. Though they do not produce honey in large quantities like honeybees, stingless bees are known for storing small amounts of honey in specialized structures called cerumen pots. Unlike honeybees that construct large, complex nests, meliponini colonies typically consist of only a few hundred to a few thousand individuals.
Meliponini bees play a crucial role in pollination, contributing to the reproduction of numerous plant species, thus ensuring ecosystem stability and diversity. Their pollination efficiency is similar to other bee species, making them important partners in agricultural productivity. Many species within Meliponini exhibit unique and fascinating behaviors, such as foundress-worker polymorphism, division of labor, and complex communication systems through vibrations and pheromones.
Due to their gentle nature and minimal aggressive behavior, meliponini bees have been increasingly studied and cultivated for pollination services and as a source of alternative income through the production of specialized products like honey, pollen, and propolis, which are highly valued for their medicinal properties.
Etymology of MELIPONINI
The word "meliponini" is derived from a combination of two components: "meli" and "ponini".
The first component, "meli", comes from the Greek word "μέλι" (méli), which means "honey". This root is often used in scientific terms related to honey or bees.
The second component, "ponini", stems from the Latin word "ponus", meaning "labourer" or "worker". In biological nomenclature, "ponini" is a common suffix used to indicate a tribe or subgroup within a family of insects.
So, when combined, "meliponini" refers to a tribe of bees known as the Meliponini or stingless bees, emphasizing their connection to honey production and their role as laborers within their colonies.
