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º  Edward E. Southwick             Department of Biology         º
º  Phone 716-395-5743              State University of New York  º
º  FAX   716-395-2416              Brockport, New York 14420     º
º  BITNET SOUTHWIK@BROCK1P         U.S.A.                        º
º  Internet:  [log in to unmask]               º
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I had a student who studied bee stings.  He found a wide variety of
barb arrangements.  The size, shape and number varied in workers
from the same colony.  He did apparently find a few without barbs.
I say apparently because one must take great care in observing
barbs under a light microscope as the orientation is crucial in
seeing the stings well.  Barb morphology is illustrated in an
article in the ABJ:  Southwick, e.e.  1987.  Toxicity of sting
venom. Am Bee J 127(6):456-457.