Salen Bees

Salen Bees (MEGAPIS SALENS) Salen bees are a unique variation of honeybee that grow to massive proportions. Their hives show characteristics of honey bees and carpenter bees, and most hives will be able to sustain a population of around 60-80 bees on the natural resources of a lush area. In stark contrast, the symbiotic relationship of one hive with the people of Litha has led to a large and prosperous population numbering many hundreds of bees. Salen Bees have longer natural lifespans than other species, about 10 years, but in most other respects they exhibit the biology and behaviors of typical bees. They construct large hives suitable for creatures of their size, which form intricate geometric patterns. While Lithians have a close and friendly relationship to the bees, Megapis Salens are not defenselsss. In the wild, they are known to be fierce and defensive of their territory, and a single bee is quite capable of stinging a human to death if disturbed. In fact Salen bees are the largest known insects of their type, and have been seen tearing large wildlife to pieces when swarming. Most cultures who interact with the species in the wild do so as part of a culture of honey hunting, which is both dangerous and highly rewarding if successful.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Adults of this genus generally grow between 24” to 30” long, weigh 2-3 pounds, and have a fuzzy, black-and-gold coat of soft fur. They otherwise appear identical to a common honeybee, with the same physiological variation between different hive roles such as Queen, Drone, Soldier, Worker, etc.

Genetics and Reproduction

Bees reproduce via a single egg-laying queen and a group of worker bees who construct the hive and tend to the eggs/larvae.

Growth Rate & Stages

A typical Salen bee will mature from egg to larvae in about three months, and then after eating enough it will enter a pupae form for another six months before emerging as a full adult.
Salen Queens are much larger and are the only sub-type with an adolescent phase colloquially called a "princess." If the hive queen is still alive once the the princess emerges, she performs an oddly ritualistic inspection which is not well documented. If the hive queen approves, the princess fattens herself by consuming some of the eggs in the hive, and then leaves the hive to start her own. She will locate a suitable place and molt an exceptionally hard carapace to protect her while she grows into a full queen form, during which time the handful of workers she brings with her will contruct a rudimentary hive around her.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Salen bees harvest pollen and nectar from plants as well as the sap of sugar-dense trees to make honey. Individuals have also been seen chewing other small animals in their mandibles, and while it is not known exactly what benefit this might have, it is theorized that their saliva might help break down proteins and carotinoids into useful amino acids or other by-products that their bodies need to maintain their metabolism.

Scientific Name

Megapis Salens