| Melipona | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Subclass: | Pterygota |
| Infraclass: | Neoptera |
| Superorder: | Endopterygota |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Suborder: | Apocrita |
| (unranked): | Aculeata |
| Superfamily: | Apoidea |
| Family: | Apidae |
| Subfamily: | Apinae |
| Tribe: | Meliponini |
| Genus: | Melipona Illiger, 1806 |
| Species | |
|
Some 40, see text |
|
Melipona is a genus of stingless bees. These are widespread in warm areas of the Neotropics, from Sinaloa and Tamaulipas (México) to Tucumán and Misiones (Argentina). At least 40 species are known.
Several species are kept for honey production, e.g. in Brazil, where some are well-known enough to have common names. Melipona honey has long been used by humans and nowadays is of minor commercial importance. There is ongoing research in improved beekeeping techniques.
In addition, Mexican Melipona are known to be good pollinators of the vanilla orchid Vanilla planifolia, increasing the harvest of this valuable crop. Due to their small size and stinglessness, they can also be used as pollinators in greenhouse culture of pepperfruits (Capsicum spp.). Irapuá (M. ruficrus) on the other hand has a reputation to be somewhat of a pest in citrus plantations.
The medical plant Hog plum (Spondias mombin) is also occasionally pollinated by Melipona. Important predators of Melipona include woodpeckers, such as the White Woodpecker (Melanerpes candidus) which is very fond of M. ruficrus.