Most people associate bee stings with the painful experience and the unfortunate fate of the offending bee. However, the reality is quite different for the vast majority of bee species. Only eight out of the approximately 21,000 bee species worldwide actually die after stinging. The European honey bee (Apis mellifera), which is native to Europe and Africa but now found almost everywhere, is one of those eight species. When a European honey bee stings, its barbed stinger typically prevents the bee from extracting it, leaving the appendage embedded in the victim’s skin. The bee then flies away without its stinger, which continues to pump venom into the wound, eventually leading to the bee’s death.
In contrast, most other bee species possess stingers that lack barbs, allowing them to sting multiple times without experiencing fatal consequences. Some bee species, such as stingless bees, have even lost their ability to sting entirely. Globally, there are 537 species of stingless bees, and Australia is home to 11 of them. These bees can still defend their nests by biting, but they are generally considered more of a nuisance than a threat.
Interestingly, male bees of all species lack stingers. Instead, they possess different anatomical features. However, some male bees may still make a show of “stinging” if they feel threatened, but they cannot produce venom.
The abundance and social nature of European honey bees contribute to their frequent encounters with humans. Their colonies can contain up to 50,000 individuals, and they can forage over long distances, increasing the likelihood of interactions. Additionally, the social behavior of European honey bees, where they will defend their colony members, further explains their aggressive behavior.
Despite their potential for aggression, European honey bees play a crucial role in crop pollination, and their honey is highly valued. However, it’s important to remember that they represent a tiny minority of bee species. The vast majority of native bee species are more likely to buzz away than to sting.
