What role does the stylet (bulb) serve in the bee's sting mechanism?

The stylet, also known as the sting or bulb, plays a crucial role in the sting mechanism of bees by delivering venom into the target. When a bee stings, it uses its stylus to pierce the skin of its target; once penetrated, the venom sac is compressed, and venom is expelled through the stylet into the victim. This venom serves multiple purposes, including defense and predation, as it can incapacitate or deter threats to the bee or its colony.

The structure of the stylet facilitates this process by allowing the venom to flow smoothly and efficiently over the bee's sting, providing an effective means of defense. Understanding this mechanism is vital for beekeepers and anyone interested in bee biology, as it highlights the sophisticated adaptations bees have evolved for survival.