The idea that bees sting watermelons is a common misconception, often rooted in observing insects near the ripened fruit. The definitive answer is that bees do not sting watermelons, nor do they attack them. This relationship is not one of conflict, but of absolute necessity for the fruit’s existence.
Pollination: The True Role of Bees in Watermelon Growth
Bees play an indispensable role in watermelon cultivation, acting as the primary agents for fertilization. The watermelon plant produces separate male and female flowers and is not capable of self-pollination. Pollen from the male flower must be physically transferred to the receptive stigma of the female flower for fruit development to begin.
The large, sticky pollen grains are not carried by the wind and must be moved by insects, such as honeybees or various native bee species. Female flowers are only receptive for a short period, typically opening after sunrise and closing by the afternoon. This narrow window requires consistent bee activity throughout the flowering season to ensure fruit set.
Effective pollination is directly linked to the quality and shape of the final fruit. Researchers estimate that a standard seeded watermelon flower requires seven to eight bee visits for sufficient fertilization. Without this level of visitation, the resulting fruit can be misshapen or exhibit defects like “hollow heart.” Even seedless varieties rely on bees to transfer non-viable pollen to stimulate fruit development.
The Defensive Nature of the Sting
The purpose of a bee’s stinger is strictly defensive, aimed at protecting the individual or the entire colony from a perceived threat. Honeybees, the most commonly managed pollinator, possess a barbed stinger that anchors into elastic tissue. When the bee pulls away after stinging, the barbed apparatus and part of its abdomen are torn from its body, leading to its death.
This self-sacrificing act is inefficient for attacking an inanimate object like a fruit rind, which poses no threat to the hive. The bee’s defense mechanism is triggered by movement and alarm pheromones, not by a stationary, ripening fruit. Unlike wasps, which may use their smooth stingers to bore into fruit, a honeybee’s anatomy prevents it from using its stinger on the tough rind of a melon.
Why Bees Land on Ripe Watermelons
When a bee is observed on a watermelon, it is foraging for accessible liquids, not attempting to sting or damage the fruit. Bees are attracted to the exposed, sugary juice that seeps out from cracks, splits, or areas damaged by weather or other animals. These breaks in the rind allow the bee to access the high sugar content of the flesh.
Bees seek a readily available source of sugar and water, especially during periods when natural nectar sources are scarce (a nectar dearth). They use specialized mouthparts to lap up the exposed fruit juices, which serve as an energy source. This attraction to sweet liquid is purely foraging behavior.