Wednesday, April 10, 2013

KELULUT / TRIGONA BEES


      
      

Trigona is the largest genus of stingless bees, formerly including many more subgenera than the present assemblage; many of these former subgenera have been elevated to generic status. There are approximately 150 species presently included in the genus, in 11 subgenera. They differ from those groups now excluded in only minor structural details, primarily of the hind leg.
Stingless bee, or simply meliponines, are a large group of bees, comprising the tribe Meliponini ( sometimes called stingless honey bees ) in the family Apidae, and closely related to the common honey bees, carpenter bees, orchid bees and bumblebees.
Stingless bees usually nest in hollow trunks, tree branches, underground cavities, or rock cavities, old rubbish bins, water meters, and storage drums. Many beekeepers keep the bees in their original log hive or transfer them to a wooden box, as this makes it easier to control the hive.
Stingless bees are active all year round, although they are less active in cooler weather. Unlike other eusocial bees, they do not sting but will defend by biting if their nest is disturbed. In addition, a few ( in the genus Oxytrigona ) have mandibular secretions that cause painful blisters. Despite their lack of a sting, stingless bees, being eusocial may have vary large colonies made formidable by way of numerous defends.
Stingless bees store their aromatic honey in clusters of small resin pots near the extremities of the nest. Stingless bee honey has a distinctive "bush" taste - a mix of sweet and sour with a hint of fruit. The taste comes from plant resins - which the bees use to build their hives and honey pots - and varies at different times of year depending on the flowers and tree visited.



Benefits of Honey

1. Honey has natural anti-inflammatory effect. It can cure sore throat. It helps to heal wound.
2. Honey is natural anti-septic. It contain antimicrobial agents which prevent infection by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. It is effective in the treatment of ulcer, particularly stomach ulcer.
3. Honey antioxidant and antibacterial properties can help improve digestive system and help one stay healthy and fight disease.
4. Honey is good for skin. It can be used as a moisturizing mask for your skin instead of alpha hydroxyl masks. It is good for sensitive skin.
5. Honey reduces muscle fatigue. The glucose gives an immediate energy boost whereas the fructose sustains energy.
6. Honey prevents cancer. It possesses carcinogen-preventing and anti-tumour properties.
7. Honey has low calorie level. Compared with same amount of sugar, honey give 40% less calorie to the body. Although it provides energy to the body, it does not add weight.
8. Honey can easily be digested by the most sensitive stomachs, despite its high acid content.
9. Honey helps in cleansing the blood. I has positive effect in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.
10. Honey cures burn. Honey not only prevents infection, but also accelerates skin healing. Since the sugars in honey absorb water, it helps to trap some of the moisture so that the bacteria and other microbes cannot grow as easily as in other foods