How does a honeybee stinger actually pump venom? First-ever video shows it in action
The stinger is effectively a fully autonomous micro-pump, but it works in an unusual way.
In a groundbreaking study published today, scientists have finally captured the first-ever video of how a honeybee's stinger pumps venom. This unique mechanism allows the bee to keep stinging even after losing its stinger, a defense strategy that can be lethal. The study, led by Ramirez-Esquivel et al., reveals that the stinger is essentially an autonomous micro-pump, unlike most venomous animals that store venom in a balloon-like sac.
The bee stinger ejects the needle-like appendage into the victim's skin and continues injecting venom as it flies away. Despite the risk of self-harm, this behavior enables the bee to protect the hive. The study used a clear gel to mimic human skin and filmed the stinger's action, observing two pistons inside the thicker part of the stinger. These pistons move in opposite directions, creating a continuous flow of venom.
Three-dimensional scans and 3D printing were used to create a model of the stinger's structure, which was then replicated using different materials. The researchers believe this unique pump design could inspire human-made pumps for microfluidics, drug delivery, and continuous flow applications.
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