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What is the most aggressive bee in the world?

Published in Animal Behavior 2 mins read

The most aggressive bee in the world is often considered to be the Africanized honey bee, also known as the "killer bee."

These bees are a hybrid of the European honey bee and the African honey bee, and they are known for their highly defensive nature. They are more likely to attack in large numbers and pursue their target for a longer distance than other bee species.

Africanized honey bees were introduced to Brazil in the 1950s, and they have since spread throughout the Americas. They are now found in the southern United States, and they are a serious threat to human health and safety.

Here are some reasons why Africanized honey bees are considered the most aggressive:

  • Larger colonies: They tend to have larger colonies than European honey bees, which means there are more bees to defend the hive.
  • More defensive: They are more sensitive to disturbances and will readily defend their hive.
  • Higher levels of alarm pheromone: They release more alarm pheromone, which attracts more bees to the attack.
  • Greater pursuit distance: They will pursue a perceived threat for longer distances than other bees.

While Africanized honey bees are a serious threat, it is important to remember that they are not inherently aggressive. They are simply trying to protect their hive. If you encounter a hive of Africanized honey bees, the best thing to do is to leave the area immediately and contact a professional beekeeper.

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