Brachygastra mellifica

Brachygastra mellifica
Close-up
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae
Subfamily: Polistinae
Tribe: Epiponini
Genus: Brachygastra
Species:
B. mellifica
Binomial name
Brachygastra mellifica
(Say, 1837)
Synonyms
  • Polistes mellifica Say, 1837
  • Nectarinia mellifica (Say, 1837)
  • Caba mellifica (Say, 1837)
  • Chartergus aztecus Cameron, 1906
  • Chartergus arizonaensis Cameron, 1907
  • Chartergus centralis Cameron, 1907
  • Nectarina cameroni Meade-Waldo, 1911

Brachygastra mellifica, commonly known as the Mexican honey wasp, is a neotropical social wasp. It can be found in North America. B. mellifica is one of few wasp species that produces honey. It is also considered a delicacy in some cultures in Mexico. This wasp species is of use to humans because it can be used to control pest species and to pollinate avocados.