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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 4 Sep 1995 21:33:48 -0500
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                I see a number of apparent squables between two or three
                bees, where one seems to be the subject of abuse, the
                others climbing all over it, apparently pulling it about,
                biting it and attempting to sting it. Close (eyeball)
                inspection shows that whilst the bees are curled up as
                though trying to sting, the sting is not exposed or used
                and the pulling and biting, whilst appearing to be
                disturbing to the 'victim' doesn't appear to result in
                any damage or serious retribution. Is this some kind of
                cleaning behaviour perhaps?
 
It could be some kind of dominance behavior, where the 'muggers' are
showing their dominance over the 'victim'.  I understand bumblebees
do this - keeps the other workers from getting too cocky and laying
eggs.
 
Liz Day
[log in to unmask]
Indianapolis, Indiana, central USA

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