Bees that do not sting exist. These insects, often referred to as “stingless bees,” are a diverse group within the broader bee family. Unlike their more commonly known stinging relatives, these bees have evolved unique characteristics. This article explores their distinct biology, adaptations, and significant role in various ecosystems.
The Reality of Stingless Bees
Stingless bees are a diverse group with over 600 described species within the tribe Meliponini, which belongs to the family Apidae. They are closely related to other social bees like honey bees, bumblebees, and orchid bees. These bees are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, including South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Their colonies vary in size, from a few hundred to tens of thousands of individuals. Generally, stingless bees are smaller than typical honey bees, with body lengths often between 2 to 15 mm. They commonly display muted colors such as black, sometimes with yellow, brown, or red markings.
Why Certain Bees Do Not Sting
Stingless bees cannot sting due to a distinct biological adaptation. While they possess stingers, these structures are highly reduced, vestigial, or modified, rendering them non-functional for defense in the traditional piercing manner. This means they cannot use their stinger to inject venom as other bees do.
Despite lacking a functional stinger, stingless bees are not without defense mechanisms. They employ various strategies to protect their colonies from threats. Many species utilize their strong mandibles to inflict painful bites on intruders. Some species can also secrete irritating substances, such as formic acid. Others use sticky resins to trap and immobilize enemies, while some even develop a specialized soldier caste for nest defense.
Beyond the Sting: Their Role and Traits
Stingless bees play a significant role in their native ecosystems as effective pollinators. They contribute to the reproduction of a wide variety of wild plants and are important for the pollination of numerous agricultural crops in tropical and subtropical areas. Their foraging activities are essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting agricultural productivity.
Their method of honey production also differs from that of honey bees. Stingless bees store their honey in distinct, often spherical, cerumen pots rather than the hexagonal wax combs typical of honey bees. This honey, sometimes called “sugarbag honey,” can have varied flavors and properties, often characterized by a more liquid consistency and a tangy or sour taste due to a higher water content.
These bees exhibit diverse nesting habits, often building their nests in pre-existing cavities like hollow trees, underground burrows, rock crevices, or abandoned termite nests. Some species construct exposed nests attached to tree branches. Communication within stingless bee colonies involves various signals, including chemical trails, sounds, smells, and visual cues, which help foragers guide nestmates to food sources.