> I have posited that bees have evolved to die after stinging because the act of stinging can cause pathogens from the creature being stung to adhere to the stinging bee.
OK.
But why do bees die after stinging, but wasps don't.
OK.
But why do bees die after stinging, but wasps don't.
From the hives perspective it’s a question of effectiveness vs the utility of individual bees remaining lifespan. Being even slightly more effective at discouraging mammals from raiding a hive for honey is presumably worth the loss of individual bees.
Wasps on the other hand lack the wealth of a bee hive so presumably different tradeoffs are worthwhile.
Bees need to defend themselves against other insects. The stinger doesn't detach when the threat isn't great enough to warrant suicide.
Also wasp nests aren't as hot and humid as bee hives