Killer bees: description and characteristics of the Africanized breed

The killer bee is a special type of insect that was bred in the laboratory. This happened in Brazil by mixing the European breed with the African. Therefore, these individuals are often called Africanized. The goal of the selection was to create bees that would produce more honey. However, in reality, scientists received a less effective and very aggressive look.

History of Appearance

Just 60 years ago there were no Africanized bees. They were obtained by selection as a result of scientific research. African bees brought to Brazil were used as a basis.

Insects could not tolerate high humidity and high temperatures. Therefore, scientists decided to cross them with local varieties. However, a number of mistakes were made in the process. In particular, the queens were released into the wild, and in natural conditions they began to interbreed with drones.

As a result, in 1957, active reproduction of African bees began, which gave abundant offspring. Moreover, the incubation period of reproduction took 1 day less than in ordinary species.

Looks like

A distinctive feature of such insects are large sizes. Otherwise, they are characterized by the same signs as for domestic insects. These include the following:

• round body with small villi;
• dull shade with yellow-black stripes;
• proboscis designed to collect nectar;
• 2 pairs of wings - with the front pair being larger than the back pair;
• segmented antennae.

Other characteristic features of such bees include the following:

• high travel speed;
• strong aggressiveness;
• increased productivity parameters;
• high degree of endurance;
• distinguishing vitality;
• quick adaptation to different climates.

African species equip hives, collect honey and lead the same lifestyle as other bees. If a person approaches the dwelling of insects at 5-10 meters, the swarm goes into a rage. As a result, he is able to pursue his prey for more than a kilometer. Killer bees are distinguished by their susceptibility to loud sounds - the sound of a motor, loud laughter and others.Insects are able to recognize noise from a distance of 15 meters.

Distribution

These bees are widespread throughout South America. Recently, however, more and more such individuals are found in Mexico and the United States. According to scientists, these insects are capable of capturing 300-500 kilometers annually.

How to protect yourself from killer bees?

If a person encounters a swarm of killer bees, it will most likely end in death for him. However, there are certain methods that will help avoid possible insect aggression:

1. Apply vinegar to the body. Insects do not like the smell of this product. If you have to visit places of accumulation of such individuals, it is important to wipe yourself thoroughly with vinegar. This will help scare away the bees.
2. Try not to make noise. The reason for the aggression of killer bees can be a car rumble or loud laughter. As a result, insects become aggressive, attacking people who make unpleasant sounds.
3. Don't swing your arms and move slowly. Any sudden movements make the bees aggressive. Therefore, it is important to move as carefully and smoothly as possible near their possible habitats.

Habitats

African bees live in remote plantations and in areas where bushes accumulate. They are also found in mountain gorges, on rocks, in earthen burrows or hollows. Insects are also found in abandoned buildings. They often settle on the roofs and attics of houses. At the same time, killer bees prefer places near water bodies. Such insects predominate in South and North America. However, they also exist on other continents.

Prospects for breeding

Because African bees have many faults and are considered very dangerous, it is not recommended to breed them. Many scientists are making plans for further crossing and obtaining new breeds. The priority direction is the creation of non-aggressive insects that are prone to industriousness and are characterized by high productivity.

The first positive results were obtained relatively recently by crossing dangerous individuals with alpine bees. They have a calm disposition and are ideal for such experiments. It is likely that scientists will soon be able to deal with the threat in a safe way.

African killer bees are extremely dangerous insects.They have a high degree of aggression. So, there are many cases where insect bites have been fatal. To avoid such consequences, it is important not to provoke the bees and avoid places where they gather. Now work is underway to destroy them. However, insects move quickly and multiply rapidly, so it is extremely difficult to exterminate them.

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