The Buzz About Africanized Bees

Origin of Africanized Bees

Africanized bees(killer bees) are a hybrid species that emerged as a result of a scientific experiment gone wrong. In the 1950s in Brazil, a scientific researchers aimed to enhance honey production and have more adaptive bee species by crossbreeding the East African lowland honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata) with European honeybee subspecies. Unfortunately, in 1957, several swarms escaped quarantine, leading to uncontrolled interbreeding with local European populations. This accidental release allowed the Africanized bees to proliferate rapidly throughout South and Central America.

                                            Image credit: StockCare

Why They are called Africanized bees

The term "Africanized" refers to the hybrid nature of these bees, which possess traits from both their African and European ancestors. While they share many characteristics with European honeybees, their behavior is markedly different. The name highlights their origins and the significant influence of their African lineage on their aggressive defensive behaviors.

Lethality in Attack

What sets Africanized bees apart is their heightened aggression.

Key factors contributing to their lethality 

• Increased defensive behavior: Africanized bees react more aggressively to disturbances. 
• Swarming tendencies: They swarm more frequently and nest in various locations, increasing encounters with humans. 
• Higher numbers in attacks: When they do sting, multiple bees typically join in, leading to a higher number of stings per incident
• Distance of attack: A swarm can pursue an intruder for considerable distances, sometimes over 400 meters. 

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