Bob Harrison wrote:

> I believe all of you are reading way to much into the suicide bee incident.
>
> Many times while putting burlap into my smoker with the lid open bees fly in
> to their death in the flames. I have seen bees fly in the smoker hole also
> to their death.
>
> NEVER DO THE BEES DO SUCH THINGS UNLESS DISTURBED.

Agree with Bob that it is tied with aggressive behavior.

One factor not discussed is the known response of bees to Carbon
Dioxide. Bees go where breath is to locate the animal attacking their
hive. (Along with other factors. When some AHB researchers used
breathing tubes, they were able to work the bees without the usual
defensive behavior.)

Also, the most exposed and vulnerable parts of an animal are usually
dark (ear canal, mouth and eyes).

A smoker hole emits carbon dioxide and is dark so makes an inviting target.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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