WASP'S and BEE's STINGS. ////////////////////////////

In contrast to the bee,the wasp and hornet can insert and withdraw its sting comparitive ease. the single wasp is therefore able to deliver multiple stings with ease this multi sting capacity suits its aggressive nature.

  The wasp sting has a smooth outer

  lineing.

  easy to insert in and out of the victim.

  The bee sting has a barbed outer sheath

  which are like a fish hook easy to insert

  but difficult to extract .

The volume of venom deliverd by a wasp sting is much less than deliverd by a bee .depending on the type of wasp the volume can range from little as 2 micrograms to as much as 15 micrograms.

A bee sting on the other hand is generally regarded as containing 50 micrograms. the difference

in volume is then illustrated by the fact that a single wasp can sting its victim a number of times

in succession.whilst a bee just has the one off sting.

Another feature unique to the wasp and hornet is that the venom contains a pheromone which alarms all other wasps in the area and invites them to join the attack on the victim. Whilst one can see the evolutionary and defencive benifits of such a alarm system it is particularly worrying for the victim .

Whilst Bees do therefore fly in swarms and have the reputation for attacking in swarms .do not let the comparitively solitary journey of the wasp deceive since not only can one wasp sting more than once .but it calls all wasp's nearby to come and help.