What happens to the venom sac after injecting venom?

When a honey bee stings, its venom sac contracts to expel venom into the target. This contraction helps to deliver venom effectively, which is used for defense. The venom sac is part of a specialized structure called the sting apparatus, and when the bee injects venom, the muscular contractions of the sac force the venom through the sting and into the skin of the victim. This process is crucial because it maximizes the area affected by the venom, thus enhancing the bee's defensive capabilities.

After the initial expulsion of venom, the venom sac may not necessarily produce more venom immediately; instead, it may take time for the bee to recharge and regenerate its venom supply. This physiological mechanism ensures that a bee can effectively defend itself, although it does lead to the bee's own death after stinging, as the sting apparatus remains lodged in the victim. Therefore, understanding the contraction of the venom sac is vital for comprehending how bees utilize their venom for defense.