A bee in mid-sting

[cartisdm]

Since I keep seeing all these insects posts, I figured I'd add to the mix. I came across this picture today on reddit and it looked pretty cool. Explains why bees tend to die after stinging:

link to larger pic: http://media.sacbee.com/smedia/2012/06/13/13/48/J20Sv.Xl.4.jpg

 

[danthebugman]

Someone has some nice camera gear. Sweet pic :thumbsup:.

Dan

 

[CigarSaint]

That is one hell of pic.

 

[CO Smokes]

Why do they sting if they're just going to die? Never understood that

 

[Mickeymorris626]

To protect the hive I'm guessing. Either way, sweet yet painful looking picture

 

[OB-Left]

To protect the hive I'm guessing. Either way, sweet yet painful looking picture

Yes ^^, only the workers (female) die with a sting. Drones (males) don't have a sting. Queen can sting multiple times, no barb on end of stinger so it pulls out of skin.

 

[packerjh]

That is a remarkable picture! Thanks for sharing...

 

[SSimp]

Reminds me of some really tuff collard greens that I had once. Was so tuff I thought I was going to have to tie one end to a fence post and walk away.

 

[GruntmaN]

awesome pic, nice find

 

[dpricenator]

Kind of like the United States Armed Forces....Willing to die for the greater good.