Which gland is involved in the production of venom?

The Dufour's gland is primarily responsible for the production of venom in honeybees and some other social insects. This gland secretes a fluid that can be involved in the defense mechanism of bees. When a bee stings, venom is injected into the target, serving to deter predators and protect the hive. The complexity and composition of the venom, which includes components that can cause pain, inflammation, and even an allergic reaction in some cases, is crucial for the survival of the colony.

In contrast, the sting sheath is part of the bee's anatomy that assists in the delivery of the venom but does not produce it. The spermatheca is a structure associated with the storage of sperm in queen bees, while the pollen gland is involved in the production and manipulation of pollen, not venom. Understanding these functions helps clarify the specific role of each gland within the bee's physiology and its overall relevance to their survival and defensive behaviors.