Geometry & Colours of Meliponine Brood Cells

Title: Geometry and Colours of Meliponine

Brood Cells - Part 1

Subtitle: Preliminary Emphasis on Genus Tetragonula

Synopsis:

This literature is for enthusiasts who have difficulty remembering scientific names but can recognize geometric shapes. A preliminary look at what is termed as the most difficult genus in the Indo-Malaya stingless bee group to identify and differentiate between species by morphology. This book will take the readers on a journey to explore the various aspects of Tetragonula brood structure and form across the Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia, Sunda, Wallacea and the Sahul regions.

A study on brood cell shapes of the different stages of the cell build-up. From newly operculated cells, larval brood cells to pre-pupal and cocoons. Queen cells are scrutinized in size, proportion, and shape. The colour of the cells with the bee's anatomical colours and host cavity is examined.

There is a schematic impression of the development and a growth sequence of clusters, clumps, semi-combs, full layered and spiral combs. A brief glimpse is provided of the brood of some other genera like Austroplebeia, Geniotrigona, Heterotrigona (Platytrigona), Homotrigona (Lophotrigona), Lisotrigona, and Wallacetrigona are given as comparisons.

Where available, the nest and brood structure are associated with its nest entrance, which I hope will make it easier to recognize a particular species.