Question

Stinging apparatus in honey bee is

• A. Modified male genitalia
• B. Modified ovipositor
• C. Modified mouth part
• D. Modified leg

Hint:

If you see a bee without a stinger, it's a male (drone). The "stinger" and "ovipositor" are homologous structures.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The evolution of Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps) saw the adaptation of various structures for specialized tasks.
The ovipositor is an ancestral organ used for laying eggs, typically found in females.
Detailed Explanation:
In aculeate (stinging) Hymenoptera, such as worker honey bees, the ovipositor has lost its egg-laying function and has evolved into a potent defensive stinging apparatus.
Structurally, the sting is composed of modified sclerites and valves (the sting sheath, the stylet, and two lancets).
Because it is a modification of the female reproductive organ, only female bees (workers and queens) can sting.
Drones (male honey bees) lack an ovipositor and therefore cannot sting.
In worker bees, the sting is barbed; when it is used on a mammal with thick skin, the barbs become anchored, and the bee disembowels itself as it tries to fly away, leading to its death.
In queens, the sting is smooth and is used primarily to fight rival queens.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The stinging apparatus is a modified ovipositor.