Where the bee stings: features of insect weapons
Those who have encountered stinging insects know that after interacting with a bee, it is imperative to pull out the stinger. Honey bees are helpful neighbors, but their spiny organ can be a nuisance.
Bees and their features
The bee and its sting.
Bees have a large number of flying insects from representatives of Hymenoptera. There are more than 20000 varieties in total. But those who wear honey are familiar to gardeners and gardeners.
They have a long proboscis, which is the organ through which they feed. They prefer pollen and nectar. That is why they are very good pollinators - they work hard to collect more food for themselves, often fly from place to place.
bee sting
In honey bees, the sting is located at the tip of the abdomen and has a sawtooth shape. It moves with the help of muscles, pierces the skin and ejects poison from stylets.
A feature of the sting is its dual purpose. In working individuals, it serves as a way of defense or attack, and the uterus also lays eggs with its help.
Bee venom causes burning pain, swelling around the wound and inflammation. For insects - its lethal dose. When they bite, the bees emit an aroma that other individuals who are nearby hear and flock to attack the victim.
How a bee uses its sting
The sting serves as a way to protect yourself from pests and predators. These are various birds, honey beetles, spiders, lizards and praying mantises.
When the animal attacks, it pierces the enemy's skin with its stinger, injects poison and flees the scene of the crime.
Depending on the size of the hunter, death can occur instantly or within a short period of time.
What to do if a bee stings
Due to the presence of notches, a bee, having bitten a person, signs a death sentence for itself. She leaves her sting in the wound and dies.
You can read about why this happens in interesting facts article.
- After the bite, you need to inspect the place.
- If the sting is there, it is carefully pry off with a fingernail or a bee knife so as not to crush the poison capsule.
- A cold compress can be applied to relieve swelling.
- If you suspect an allergy, take an antihistamine.
Conclusion
The bee stinger is a unique weapon. It strongly and ruthlessly pierces the skin, introduces poison, which is fatal for many natural enemies.
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