Why do bees die after mating?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the phenomenon where some male bees, specifically drones, die after mating. This is generally due to the physical changes that occur during the mating process, which causes harm to the male bee and leads to its death.
Answer
Their endophallus ruptures and breaks off during mating.
The final answer is the male bees die because their endophallus ruptures and breaks off during mating.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is the male bees die because their endophallus ruptures and breaks off during mating.
More Information
The catastrophic physical damage suffered during mating results in the drone bee dying shortly after. The endophallus is essential for transferring sperm but becoming fatally damaged during the process means the drone cannot survive.
Tips
Ensure to specify that it is the endophallus that ruptures and causes the fatal injury, not simply 'mating equipment'.
Sources
- Reconnect With Nature - Bizarre Science: Male Honeybees Blind Their Queens - reconnectwithnature.org
- Mechanics of Honey Bee Mating - Orkin - orkin.com
- Why do Male Drones Bees Die after mating - beesource.com
