High-speed video shows how honeybee stingers pump venom

Summary

High-speed footage shows that a honeybee’s detached stinger can continue pumping venom, according to The Guardian. Researchers from Macquarie University filmed the stingers using clear gel to mimic human skin, and Ars Technica reports that a co-author described the stinger’s valves as collapsible pistons. Popular Science also reports that bee stingers work like saws to pump venom.

Timeline

1. Popular Science

   12 Oct 2026, 19:00 UTCSource ↗

   Popular Science reports that slow-motion video shows bee stingers working like saws to pump venom.

2. The Guardian

   13 Oct 2026, 07:10 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that high-speed footage shows a detached honeybee stinger continuing to pump venom, in a process filmed by Macquarie University researchers using gel that mimics human skin.

3. Ars Technica

   13 Oct 2026, 13:03 UTCSource ↗

   Ars Technica reports that a co-author said the stinger’s valve geometry lets the valves act as collapsible pistons to deliver venom.