bee sting, Africanized

bee sting, Africanized A sting from an Africanized (“killer”) bee, a species of large honey bees found in South and Central America, as well as in some parts of the US. This species of bees has an unusual and dangerous natural defense mechanism when disturbed. A loud noise or vibration, such as a barking dog or lawn mower, near a hive may cause the bees to display aggressive behavior. They attack in large numbers and for a longer period of time than is typical of the common European honey bee. As a result, Africanized bees inflict more stings, injecting a higher dosage of bee venom into their victims. See also bee sting.