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The Ultimate Sacrifice
When a male honeybee mates with the queen, his genitals explode with an audible pop, killing him instantly.
Honeybee
Apis mellifera
Honeybee reproduction involves extreme sacrifice from male drones and a fascinating social structure.
Vital Stats
🏷️ TypeBee (insect)
🌍 Found InWorldwide except Antarctica — colonies in hives or tree cavities
📏 SizeWorkers: 12-15mm | Queen: 18-20mm | Drones: 15-17mm
⏳ LifespanWorkers: 6 weeks (summer) | Queen: 2-5 years | Drones: 8 weeks
🔞 Sexual MaturityQueen: 1-2 weeks after emergence
💕 Mating SystemQueen mates with 10-20 drones mid-flight on single mating flight
📅 Mating SeasonSpring/summer during queen's mating flight
👶 OffspringQueen can lay up to 2,000 eggs per day
🍆 Penis Size2.0 mm
⏱️ Sex Duration5 seconds
🔬 Notable AnatomyDrone's genitals explode and detach during mating, killing him instantly
⚖️ Sexual DimorphismQueen larger; drones larger than workers; workers are sterile females