Question

One of the following does not inject an acidic liquid into the skin through its sting. This is:

Options

• honey bee

• ant

• wasp

• nettle leaf hair

Answer 1

Wasp

Explanation:

Unlike honey bees, ants, and nettle leaf hairs, which all inject methanoic (formic) acid when they sting, the venom of a wasp is actually an alkaline liquid. When a wasp punctures the skin, it releases a basic solution containing proteins, peptides, and amines that causes sharp pain and inflammation. Consequently, a wasp sting requires a mild acid, such as vinegar, for neutralisation, whereas the others require a basic remedy, such as baking soda.