I wrote:
I certainly do *not* buy the suggestion that bees, when smoked, "think"
their hive is on fire and are filling up on honey before leaving.

This statement was apparently misunderstood. I would hardly dispute that
bees gorge themselves when smoked. I was referring to the oft repeated
notion that they think their hive is on fire. You must have heard this,
too?

They will also gorge when the hive is disturbed, even without smoke.
Banging on the side will cause bees to gorge. This may be some sort of
panic reflex.

pb

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