A new interpretation of the oldest fossil bee (Hymenoptera, Apidae). American Museum novitates ; no. 3296
Supplemental Materials
Date
2000
item.page.datecreated
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
New York, NY : American Museum of Natural History
DOI
DOI
Abstract
The oldest fossil bee, "Trigona" prisca (Apidae: Meliponini), in Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) amber from New Jersey, is redescribed and figured. Differences between T. prisca and extant Trigona are noted and the fossil is transferred into a new genus, Cretotrigona. An exploratory cladistic analysis of the Meliponini is undertaken and Cretotrigona supported as sister to the African genus Dactylurina. Affinities between Cretotrigona and recent genera are discussed as are implications of the presence of this derived stingless bee group at the end of the Mesozoic.
Description
11 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 26 cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 9-11).
Includes bibliographical references (p. 9-11).
item.page.type
text