The killer bee is a special type of insect that was bred in the laboratory. This happened in Brazil by mixing a European breed with an African one. Therefore, these individuals are often called Africanized. The goal of selective breeding was to create bees that would produce more honey. However, in reality, scientists obtained a less effective and very aggressive species.
History of appearance
Just 60 years ago there were no Africanized bees. They were obtained through selection as a result of scientific research. African bees brought to Brazil were used as the 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 produced abundant offspring. Moreover, the incubation period of reproduction took 1 day less than that of ordinary species.
What does it look like
A distinctive feature of such insects is their large size. Otherwise, they are characterized by the same signs as domestic insects. These include the following:
- rounded body with small fibers;
- dull shade with yellow-black stripes;
- proboscis designed for collecting nectar;
- 2 pairs of wings - with the front pair being larger in size compared to the rear;
- segmented antennae.
Other characteristic features of such bees include the following:
- high speed;
- strong aggressiveness;
- increased productivity parameters;
- high degree of endurance;
- differing vitality;
- rapid adaptation to different climates.
Spreading
These bees are widespread throughout South America.However, recently more and more such individuals are found in Mexico and the USA. According to scientists, these insects are capable of covering 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:
- Apply vinegar to your body. Insects do not like the smell of this product. If you are going to visit places where such individuals gather, it is important to wipe yourself thoroughly with vinegar. This will help repel the bees.
- Try not to make noise. The cause of aggression of killer bees can be a car noise or loud laughter. As a result, the insects become aggressive, attacking people who make unpleasant sounds.
- Do not wave your arms and move slowly. Any sudden movements make the bees aggressive. Therefore, it is important to move around their possible habitats as carefully and smoothly as possible.
Habitats
African bees live in remote forested areas and areas where bushes accumulate. They are also found in mountain gorges, on rocks, in earthen burrows or hollows. There are also insects in abandoned buildings. They often live 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.
Breeding prospects
Since African bees have many disadvantages and are considered very dangerous, breeding them is not recommended. 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 hard work 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 cope with the threat in safe ways.
African killer bees are extremely dangerous insects. They have a high degree of aggression. Thus, there are many known cases where insect bites led to death. To avoid such consequences, it is important not to provoke bees and avoid places where they gather. Work is now underway to destroy them. However, insects move quickly and multiply rapidly, making them extremely difficult to exterminate.
