Melipona (Michmelia),

Rozen, Jerome G., Jr., Quezada-Euán, J. Javier G., Roubik, David W. & Smith, Corey Shepard, 2019, Immature Stages of Selected Meliponine Bees (Apoidea: Apidae), American Museum Novitates 2019 (3924) : -

MELIPONA (MICHMELIA) PANAMICA COCKERELL

Figures 3, 4, 14–18

The morphology of the M. panamica eggs was essentially identical with that of M. beecheii and supported the identification on the label. The shape of the egg of M. panamica is questionably symmetrical along its long axis. Although specimens seem to have a less exaggerated form in one view than in another, this might be the result of either postmortem manipulation or a real asymmetry.

DESCRIPTION: Color white; chorion smooth and not lustrous under low magnification; clear chorion with strongly expressed hexagonal surface pattern at anterior end and absent at posterior end. Shape elongate as diagrammed as seen in presumed dorsal view (fig. 3), greatest width at approximate middle, narrowing gradually from there toward both ends; extreme anterior end variably rounded (figs. 3, 4); micropyle projecting slightly (fig. 15); posterior end increasing in size (figs. 3, 4, 14, 18), appearing rounded before ending. Dimensions: length 2.5–2.6 mm; greatest width measured at right angle to long axis at approximate midlength 1.125–1.2 mm; greatest width of posterior expansion 0.925–0.95 mm.

When viewed with SEM, chorion at anterior end of egg with strongly expressed, elevated hexagons that converge and narrow (figs. 15, 16) as they approach micropyle; micropyle circular, presumably with entrance pores situated peripherally around central plate (fig. 17); chorion at posterior end of egg smooth, lacking hexagonal ridges (fig. 18).

MATERIAL STUDIED: Four eggs: Panamá: Colón Prov. 4 km SE Sabanitas, Roubik Preserve, March, 2018 (D. Roubik).