Are bees aware about the consequences of using their stinger on a large target? Consequently, are they aware that stinging smaller animals won’t cause them to die?

Question

Do they instinctively “know” they will die by stinging a human?

In: Biology

Answer 1

I’m a beekeeper. Many of the responses here re: bees reacting to stimuli, rather than making egocentric decisions, are correct. Bees primarily sting when they detect an increase in pheromones that are released when other bees are squished. That’s why many species of bees, especially honeybees, are docile when handled as long as you’re gentle. They sting in defense once there’s a chemical indicator that others nearby have been killed, and because their instinct is to protect their hive, they will do so without regard for their individual self-preservation.