High-speed video reveals how honey bee stingers pump venom
Co-author: “The unique geometry of the valves is the key; they act as collapsible pistons" to deliver venom.
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That footage revealed that the valves attached to each lancet—both of which sit inside the venom pumping chamber—change shape during pumping as they slide back and forth. They inflate like a parachute on the downstroke, creating a seal via a piston-like action that applies downward pressure in the chamber to push out the venom. They deflate on the upstroke. And the valves change their shape again when they meet in the middle in order to push past each other.
“The unique geometry of the valves is the key; they act as collapsible pistons and—by pumping in opposite directions—they’re able to…
