Stingless Bee

Trigona fulviventris

The Stingless Bee is a small, glossy black bee that lacks a functional sting and builds wax and resin nests in tree cavities and termite mounds. It is the northernmost stingless bee in North America, entering southern Texas and the Gulf Coast. Colonies produce small quantities of intensely flavored honey that is prized in Mesoamerican cultures. Workers guard the nest entrance by biting intruders.

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical forests and gardens of southern Texas

Diet

Adults: pollen and nectar from diverse flowers

How common

Uncommon

Not certain it is a Stingless Bee? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.