Bees are often associated with their ability to sting, a defense mechanism that can cause discomfort. However, not all bees possess a sting capable of harming humans. Certain types of bees are entirely stingless, challenging the common assumption that all bees are a threat. This unique characteristic stems from specific biological differences.
Bees Without a Sting
Two primary categories of bees do not sting: male bees, known as drones, and a diverse group called stingless bees. Male bees of any species, including honeybees, lack a stinger entirely. This anatomical distinction means they are incapable of stinging.
Stingless bees, belonging to the tribe Meliponini, comprise over 600 species found predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. While these bees possess a stinger, it is highly reduced and non-functional for defense. Instead, they rely on other defense mechanisms, such as biting or secreting irritating substances.
Understanding Their Stingless Nature
The inability to sting in these bees is rooted in their biology. For male bees, the absence of a stinger is a fundamental anatomical difference. A bee’s stinger is a modified ovipositor, an organ primarily used by female insects for laying eggs. Since male bees do not lay eggs, they do not possess this organ, and therefore, they cannot sting.
Stingless bees, despite having a stinger, cannot use it for defense because it is vestigial, meaning it has lost its original function through evolution. These bees have evolved alternative defensive behaviors. They can deliver a painful bite with their strong mandibles when threatened. Some species are also capable of secreting caustic substances or sticky materials to immobilize attackers. Stingless bees can even employ a “suicidal biting” strategy, where workers sacrifice themselves to defend the colony.
Spotting Non-Stinging Bees
Identifying non-stinging bees often involves observing their physical characteristics and behaviors. Male bees, or drones, are larger and more robust than female worker bees, though smaller than a queen. They have noticeably larger eyes that often meet at the top of their head, aiding in spotting queens during mating flights. Drones also lack pollen baskets on their hind legs, which are present on female worker bees for collecting pollen. Their behavior is docile; they do not collect nectar or pollen and will not attempt to sting.
Stingless bees vary widely in appearance, but they are generally small, ranging from 2 to 15 mm in length, and often appear dark-colored, sometimes with yellow or brown markings. Some species can resemble flies due to their size and coloration. Observing their nest entrance, which is often a small tube, and their non-aggressive approach to humans can help in identification. While they do not sting, their defensive actions may include swarming, biting, or secreting irritating substances.