A new interpretation of the oldest fossil bee (Hymenoptera, Apidae). American Museum novitates ; no. 3296

Supplemental Materials

Date

2000

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).

Keywords

Citation