Honey-bees found to have bite that stuns

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20080389


Varroa mites are endemic in honey bee hives and can sap a colony's strength


Honey-bees are known for their sting, but scientists have now discovered they can also bite.

Bees resort to biting when faced with pests, such as parasitic mites, that are too small to sting.

Close study of the biting behaviour has revealed that they secrete a chemical in their bite that stuns pests so they are easier to eject from a colony.

Tests suggest the chemical could also have a role in human medicine, as a local anaesthetic.

[Javaman]

1. That would make sense...

Many times when I check my hive, I will fine the occasional beetle covered in propolus (essentially bee vomit) and I think, "damn, those beetles move fast how do the bees catch them" and here you go.

[Mojorabbit]

2. Cool! nt