#apis cerana japonica

Japanese honeybee. (Apis cerana japonica)

Bees are freaking awesome. Everyone already knows how awesome they are,right?

WRONG.

Take everything you thought you knew about the extent of bee’s rad-ness and throw it out the window because it’s time for the japanese honeybee and I promise you - you aren’t ready.

One of this bee’s main threats is the Asian giant hornet. Usually, a single hornet will arrive at the honeybee nest, scout it out, and then return later with a full blown gang of around 30 others to attack the nest.

Considering that Asian giant hornets can be almost three times the size of the Japanese honeybee, you’d assume that they’re pretty much screwed the second a hornet shows up… right?

WRONG AGAIN.

The first time a hornet approaches the hive, the bees will disappear just inside the entrance, luring the hornet in. Then- BAM. OVER FIVE HUNDRED BEES SWARM OUT OF THE HIVE AND SURROUND THE HORNET, BEATING THEIR WINGS LIKE A MAD MAN TO RAISE THE TEMPERATURE AROUND THE HORNET TO 47°C (117°F), LITERALLY BAKING THEIR ATTACKER TO DEATH.

BEES.

DON’T.

MESS.

Image: Satoshi Kamitani