What does the venom gland produce?

The venom gland is specifically responsible for the production of venom, which is a protein-rich substance that bees use for defense. When a bee stings, it injects venom into its target, which can cause pain, inflammation, and allergic reactions in some individuals. This venom contains a variety of compounds, including melittin, which is the primary component responsible for the pain associated with a bee sting, as well as phospholipase A and other enzymes that can lead to further complications.

Royal jelly, pollen, and beeswax are produced by different glands and processes within the bee's body, making them unrelated to the function of the venom gland. Royal jelly is produced by the hypopharyngeal glands of nurse bees and is used to feed larvae and the queen. Pollen is collected from flowers by bees and serves as their main protein source. Beeswax is secreted from specialized glands on a bee's abdomen and is used to construct honeycomb. Understanding the specific role of the venom gland emphasizes the distinct and specialized functions within the bee's physiology.