Behavior, Ecology, Natural History, and Distribution of Stinging Hymenoptera

Stings by honey bees (Apis), bumble bees (Bombus), yellowjacket wasps (Vespula and Dolichovespula), paper wasps (Polistes), hornets (Vespa), fire ants (Solenopsis), other ants (Myrmecia, Pogonomyrmex, Myrmica, Brachyponera, Wasmannia, etc.), and a variety of tropical social wasps (Polybia, etc.) constitute an important medical challenge for clinicians and a physical and psychological challenge for patients. The behavior and biology of the major stinging insects responsible for causing hypersensitive reactions is presented with emphasis on how providers can educate their patients to prevent future stings and the disabling fear these insects sometimes engender.