description Cretotrigona prisca Overview
Cretotrigona prisca was a species of extinct stingless bee from the Cretaceous period. Fossilized within 90-million-year-old New Jersey amber, it represents one of the oldest known bees. Its discovery provides valuable insight into early bee evolution and offers paleontologists a rare glimpse into insect life during that era. The specimen is primarily of interest to entomologists, paleobiologists, and researchers studying ancient pollination patterns.
insights Why this score
Cretotrigona prisca ranks #78 of 404 in the Bee ranking, behind Franklin's Bumblebee (Bombus franklini), ahead of Bombus hypnorum.
help Cretotrigona prisca FAQ
How old is the *Cretotrigona prisca* fossil?
This extinct species of stingless bee was fossilized in approximately 90-million-year-old amber. The fossil was discovered in New Jersey, making it one of the oldest known bee fossils in the world.
What makes the discovery of *Cretotrigona prisca* so important?
Its discovery provides paleontologists with valuable insight into early bee evolution. It proves that social bees existed during the Cretaceous period, alongside the last dinosaurs.
What type of bee was *Cretotrigona prisca*?
It was a species of stingless bee, closely related to modern bees found in tropical regions today. These bees likely lived in complex colonies, similar to modern meliponines.
Where was the *Cretotrigona prisca* fossil found?
The fossil was found encased in amber deposits in New Jersey. Amber from this region is famous for preserving incredibly detailed insect and plant life from the Cretaceous period.
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