ID#: 8240
Caption:
Under a magnification of 38X, this 2005 scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image, depicted a lateral view of the stinger of an unidentified bee found in the Decatur, Georgia suburbs. The stinger shaft measures approximately one eighth of an inch in length, and is composed of three parts: two barbed lancets, and a single, dorsally situated stylet. Due to their construct, the two lancets are able to move back in forth, much in the same way ones hands are rubbed together when being warmed. This movement acts to pump the poison out of the poison sac at the base of the stinger shaft, and out through a canal between the lancets and stylet once the barbed stinger is lodged in the skin of the sting recipient. The stinger cannot be dislodged by the bee, and attempts by the bee to fly away, will cause the stinger apparatus to be avulsed, or ripped free from the bee’s abdomen, thereby, killing the bee in the process.
High Resolution: Click here for hi-resolution image (5.48 MB)
Content Provider(s): CDC/ Janice Haney Carr, Oren Mayer
Creation Date: 2005
Photo Credit: Janice Haney Carr
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Copyright Restrictions: None - This image is in the public domain and thus free of any copyright restrictions.