What mechanism do bees use when they sting?

The mechanism that bees use when they sting involves the contraction of their abdominal muscles, which helps to drive the stinger into the target. When a bee feels threatened, it muscles the stinger out through a structure called the ovipositor, allowing it to penetrate the skin of the intruder. This action is facilitated by the bee contracting specific muscles located in the abdomen, which provides the necessary force to deliver the venom effectively and securely.

The other options do not accurately describe the stinging mechanism used by bees. Biting the skin is not how they defend themselves, as bees primarily rely on their sting for protection. Using wings to propel the sting does not occur, as the wings are not involved in the stinging action. While bees do release pheromones, such as alarm pheromones, to communicate danger and alert other bees to an intruder, this process is separate from the physical act of stinging. Thus, understanding the role of abdominal muscle contraction is crucial for grasping how bees effectively use their stingers.