Stinger
Stinger
Stinger (/ˈstɪŋər/), also known as a sting, is a sharp organ found in various animals (primarily arthropods) capable of injecting venom, usually by piercing the skin of another animal.
Etymology
The term "stinger" is derived from the Old English word "stingan", which means to prick or stab. It has been in use since before the 12th century.
Anatomy
A stinger is typically located at the rear of the animal and is often connected to venom glands. In insects, the stinger is a modified female ovipositor. In scorpions, the stinger is located at the end of the tail.
Function
The primary function of a stinger is defense against predators. The stinger is used to inject venom into the predator, causing pain, paralysis, or even death. Some animals, such as bees, can only sting once as the stinger becomes lodged in the skin of the victim and is ripped out when the animal retreats, causing the stinging animal to die. Other animals, such as wasps and scorpions, can sting multiple times.
Related Terms
- Venom: A toxic substance produced by animals such as snakes, spiders, and insects, which is injected into a victim through a bite or sting.
- Ovipositor: A tube-like organ used by some animals, especially insects, for the laying of eggs. In some species, it is modified to form a stinger.
- Arthropod: An invertebrate animal of the large phylum Arthropoda, such as an insect, spider, or crustacean.
- Scorpion: An arachnid with a pair of pincers and a narrow segmented tail often carried over the back, ending with a venomous stinger.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stinger
- Wikipedia's article - Stinger
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