About Malagasy Orchid Bee
A tiny stingless bee that is one of Madagascar's most important pollinators. It has a black body with pale wing membranes and forms colonies in hollow tree trunks.
Did You Know?
Local communities harvest its honey, called 'tantely kely' in Malagasy, which is prized for its distinctive floral flavor and medicinal properties.
How to Identify Malagasy Orchid Bee
Malagasy Orchid Bee (Liotrigona madecassa) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 3-5 mm.
Malagasy Orchid Bee Habitat
Malagasy Orchid Bee is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Madagascar. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Malagasy Orchid Bee Diet and Feeding
Malagasy Orchid Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Malagasy Orchid Bee Found?
Malagasy Orchid Bee can be found in Madagascar, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Malagasy Orchid Bee can be found
Is Malagasy Orchid Bee Dangerous?
Malagasy Orchid Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Malagasy Orchid Bee Role in Nature
Malagasy Orchid Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Malagasy Orchid Bee
What does Malagasy Orchid Bee look like?
The Malagasy Orchid Bee typically measures 3-5 mm.
Where is Malagasy Orchid Bee found?
The Malagasy Orchid Bee is found in Madagascar and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Malagasy Orchid Bee eat?
The Malagasy Orchid Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Malagasy Orchid Bee dangerous to humans?
The Malagasy Orchid Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
What is an interesting fact about Malagasy Orchid Bee?
Local communities harvest its honey, called 'tantely kely' in Malagasy, which is prized for its distinctive floral flavor and medicinal properties.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Malagasy Orchid Bee (Liotrigona madecassa). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/malagasy-orchid-bee
MLA:
"Malagasy Orchid Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/malagasy-orchid-bee.