They don't have stingers. I've done it myself. Here's a site on the differences (http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/MES/notes/entnote10.html). I don't think I'd be too sanguine about it now, though I did it blithely as a child. I remember the feel of that fur to this day. People do get stung trying it, though. It may be that they didn't put their fingers on males, or weren't gentle enough, or bothered the bees at the wrong time.
Re: I think that some of the safety in petting bumblebees comes in getting a male
When I was a child I was told not to pet them, even though they're soft, because you can brush the magic flying dust off them and then they won't be able to fly home.
I pass this on for what it's worth, I'm not saying it's true.
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I think that some of the safety in petting bumblebees comes in getting a male
Re: I think that some of the safety in petting bumblebees comes in getting a male
Re: I think that some of the safety in petting bumblebees comes in getting a male
Re: I think that some of the safety in petting bumblebees comes in getting a male
I pass this on for what it's worth, I'm not saying it's true.
no subject