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submitted 2 years ago by fossilesque@mander.xyz to c/science_memes@mander.xyz

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[-] Jolteon@lemmy.zip 34 points 2 years ago

I do find it weird that in a species where some of them have stingers, the ones in charge of defense are not in that group.

[-] bam13302@ttrpg.network 53 points 2 years ago

I think its more the first line of defense, they are not there to kill, they are there to basically state I don't want you here without provoking a lethal response from whoever is encroaching on them. It causes a lot less death of their males since they are known that they are not a threat, reducing the overall attrition of them over time and making life easier on the hive. The females with the stingers come out if something is a real threat, ie something messes with the hive or queen.

Honestly, kinda reminds me of British (and other non-militarized) police. Don't send guns to every problem as most can be solved without it and some are made worse by their presence.

[-] chumbalumber 4 points 2 years ago

Carpenter bees are mostly solitary.

[-] Klear@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 years ago

That would explain their reluctance to do suicide attacks when protecting themselves.

this post was submitted on 18 May 2024

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