What is the primary defense mechanism of honey bees?

The primary defense mechanism of honey bees is stinging by worker bees. Worker bees have evolved this defense strategy to protect the colony from potential threats, such as predators or intruders. When a worker bee perceives danger, it can inject venom through its stinger, which not only deters the threat but can also alert other bees in the colony through alarm pheromones. This capability is critical for the survival of the bee colony, as it fosters a collective defense approach against larger animals or other insects that may pose a risk.

The act of flying away from threats, while it may be a natural response for some species or individual bees, is not the primary defense mechanism of honey bees. Instead, they are more inclined to confront threats aggressively. Similarly, while camouflage can be a survival strategy for many insects to avoid predation, honey bees do not rely on this method as their primary form of defense. Finally, beeping or producing sounds is not a recognized defensive behavior in honey bees; rather, their stinging is a more effective response to maintain colony integrity and safety.