What a stupendous idea, AnnaS! I will definitely do that. I'll report here if he responds. But how embarrassing to write:

Dear Dr. Professor:

I am interested in ascertaining whether a paper placemat correctly informed diners in the Dew Drop Inn about the honey bee's species having been on earth, virtually unchanged, longer than any other animal. Just a quick "yes" or "no" would satisfy me, but if you'd also like to mention the name of the animal species that does hold the record, so much the better.