Ruth Said:

> In short, so far I have seen no evidence to justify the claim that
"suicide bees" actively fly into the "eye" of a smoker. Nor have I seen any
evidence that suffices to preclude the possibility that the bees were simply
passively sucked in once they got close enough.
>


Perhaps that's because you weren't there?

1.  The bee in question, did, in fact, through careful observation (since I
was watching the incident quite carefully), DELIBERATELY DIVE HEADFIRST
into the smoker in question.  It was not "sucked" in.

2.  There were no terrorist laden planes in evidence, nor any "rushing
winds" from the idling smoker to be observed.  Any such phenomenon capable
of sucking a bee in from 8 inches away would render the smoker a rather
dangerous tool for beekeeping (thinking Bee-Vac?).

3.  I would submit that there is ample evidence supporting my assertions
that the bee was very much in control of its flight.  I was there, and
watched it.  This is what we call observation, and is the first step in the
collective process we call science.  The natural question posed by this
simple observation  is - why would the bee dive in?  This is the question
tabled, and seeking further input and evaluation.


Regards,

Todd.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::