Most stinging insects belong to the order Hymenoptera, which includes bees, wasps, and ants. The stinger is a modified ovipositor, the structure female insects typically use for laying eggs. Only female workers and queens can sting, as males lack this anatomical feature. Whether an insect leaves its stinger is determined by the physical structure of this apparatus, specifically the presence or absence of prominent barbs.
The Stinger’s Anatomy: Barbed Versus Smooth
The insect stinger is a hypodermic needle system designed to inject venom for defense or to subdue prey. The apparatus consists of a central shaft, called the stylet, flanked by two barbed lancets that slide back and forth. Species that leave their stinger behind have lancets with large, rearward-facing barbs, which anchor the entire apparatus firmly into the tissue upon insertion.
A heavily barbed stinger is highly effective at penetrating and lodging into the thick, elastic skin of mammals and birds. Conversely, a smooth stinger, or one with very small, non-anchoring barbs, is optimized for quick, repeated use. This smooth design allows the insect to retract the apparatus cleanly after venom delivery.
Insects That Leave Their Stinger
The most well-known insect that leaves its stinger embedded is the worker honey bee (Apis mellifera). When the bee stings a thick-skinned target, the robust barbs prevent the stinger from being withdrawn. Consequently, the entire stinging apparatus, including the venom sac and a portion of the internal abdominal structure, is ripped away from the insect’s body.
This process, known as sting autotomy, is fatal to the honey bee. The detached apparatus, powered by residual muscle contractions, continues to pump venom into the wound for a short time. This mechanism evolved as a protective measure for the colony, ensuring the maximum amount of defensive venom is delivered to a large predator.
Insects That Can Sting Repeatedly
Many bees, including bumble bees, and all common social wasps possess stingers with smaller or non-existent barbs, allowing them to sting multiple times without self-injury. This group includes all species of wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets.
These insects primarily use their stinger for different purposes than the honey bee. Wasps and hornets are often predatory, using venom to paralyze insects they feed to their young. A retractable stinger is necessary for this hunting behavior, allowing them to sting prey quickly and repeatedly. Yellow jackets, a type of social wasp, are particularly aggressive and can sting relentlessly when their nest is disturbed.
Immediate Care After a Sting
Sting care begins by identifying whether a barbed stinger has been left in the skin. If a honey bee stinger is visible, remove it as quickly as possible to minimize the amount of venom injected. The correct method is to scrape the stinger sideways using a firm, blunt edge, such as a credit card or a fingernail. Avoid pinching the stinger with tweezers or fingers, as this action can squeeze remaining venom from the attached sac into the wound.
For all stings, the affected area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Applying a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 to 15 minutes can help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines or pain relievers may be used to manage local pain, itching, and swelling.
Watch for signs of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms can develop quickly and include generalized hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Individuals who experience any of these severe symptoms should seek emergency care immediately.