{
  "id": 4573841,
  "title": "New species of stingless bee discovered in Nagaland",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/new-species-of-stingless-bee-discovered-in-nagaland",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-31T04:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Research Matters India",
    "slug": "research-matters-india",
    "url": "https://researchmatters.in/news/new-species-stingless-bee-discovered-nagaland"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Scientists have uncovered a novel species of stingless honey bee dwelling near the soil surface in the hills of Northeast India. Researchers from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Nagaland University, and Central Agricultural University (Imphal) made this groundbreaking discovery. The newly identified bee, Tetragonula nagalandensis, expands India’s roster of known stingless bee species to 19. The team found the insect after extensive searches in Nagaland’s forests, where these bees inhabit subterranean colonies. Unlike typical honey bees that construct hives in trees or buildings, these bees dwell beneath the soil, necessitating excavation of feral colonies within moist ground, around 80 centimeters underground, to be located. Identifying the bees proved challenging due to the similarity in appearance of female stingless bees across species; researchers employed a pan of water to trap males and examine their unique genitalia to accurately distinguish them. Tetragonula nagalandensis resembles its closest relative, T. kyrdemkulaiensis, but is significantly smaller, with a body length of about 5 millimeters. Microscopic examination revealed distinct differences in the male's underside and reproductive organs, particularly a C-shaped notch and a sharply curved penis valve, setting it apart from any other known species. The bee’s habitat is equally distinctive; unlike other bees that arrange brood cells in layers, Tetragonula nagalandensis constructs compact clusters of brood cells protected by multiple thin layers of wax and organic material to withstand the damp underground environment. Nagalandensis is named in honor of the state of Nagaland, where the bee was first discovered in the Medziphema region. This discovery also marks a second scientific breakthrough, as researchers captured the first-ever male of a related species, T. srikantanathi, known for its hanging nests with brood cells suspended in single-cell-thick combs. Stingless bees are crucial pollinators for local crops and wild vegetation, and researchers argue that by studying male bee shapes and nesting habits, scientists can better safeguard these fragile populations against habitat loss. The researchers hope this discovery will spur more systematic surveys across India’s ecosystems to uncover additional species that may be hidden underground.",
  "summary": "Research Matters Staff Writer(s) Nagaland 31 Aug 2026 Scientists have discovered a new species of stingless honey bee living nearly a meter beneath the soil in the hills of Northeast India. A team of researchers from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Nagaland University and Central Agricultural University (Imphal) made the discovery. The new bee, named Tetragonula nagalandensis…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}