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
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Indianapolis, Indiana, central USA