The Complete Bee Handbook: History, Recipes, Beekeeping Basics, and More by Dewey M. Caron

Author:Dewey M. Caron [Caron, Dewey M.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Rockridge Press
Published: 2020-08-26T16:00:00+00:00

Worker bees constructing beeswax comb.

GUARDS

The honey beehive is a veritable treasure chest of highly valued resources. To protect their bounty, honey bee workers have the modified ovipositor, the stinger, to protect themselves and their resources. Bees with fully developed sting glands become hive guards.

Guarding is usually the last of the worker’s household chores. Guards are positioned at the hive entrance. They stand gallantly in a state of readiness, elevated on middle and hind legs, with front legs and antennae actively moving before them. They spot different behaviors and check for body odor. Only family members are allowed to pass, as they have a familiar smell. Potential enemies are challenged and physically blocked from entry or grasped and dragged away from the entrance. If intruders persist, the worker might sting an intruder. When the sting is employed, an alarm odor gland releases a special pheromone chemical that serves to mark the enemy and recruit other bees in the vicinity to help expel the intruder.

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