Bees are well-known insects, closely related to ants and wasps. They are called great workers and some of the most beneficial creatures, providing humans with honey, propolis, and royal jelly. Bee venom is also used in medicine to successfully treat various conditions. Despite knowing how helpful these little striped insects are, many of us have feared them since childhood. Their stings can cause a lot of discomfort and sometimes require medical attention. But have you ever wondered if bees sting each other? If so, why do they do it, and what happens to them afterward?
Bees live in social colonies, where their world operates as a collective system of responsibilities. Each bee works tirelessly for the benefit of the hive. Worker bees pollinate plants and produce honey, while there are also guards, nurses, and even unemployed drones—though their “uselessness” is debatable, as they too have specific roles in the bee family. The queen bee rules over this insect world, often perceived as ruthless and aggressive, though this is simply her natural function.
Bees never sting members of their own family. However, there are at least three reasons why bees might sting their fellow winged companions:
- Intruders from Neighboring Hives: If bees from a neighboring hive try to invade or steal honey, the guards immediately recognize the “foreigners” and attack them. They use their specially adapted antennae to detect pheromones and can identify unfamiliar scents, destroying any uninvited guests.
- Different Species: If a bee from a different species tries to enter the hive, it will face a fierce battle and eventual extermination.
- The Queen’s Ruthlessness: The queen bee mercilessly eliminates any potential rivals. She reproduces, giving birth to many female bees, who later feed the young, gather food, and work alongside the males to build and protect the hive. The queen actively seeks out other female bees and destroys any she perceives as competition. Only she is allowed to reign in her kingdom.
The saddest part is that when worker bees sting their rivals, they die along with them. In defending their home, they pay the ultimate price. The bee’s sting is embedded in its body, and when it stings an enemy, it leaves behind a part of its organs along with the venomous stinger. Without these organs, the bee cannot survive and ultimately dies.