[Retric]

Bees can sting other insects just fine. Also these Bees can’t reproduce, so that seems like an obvious difference.

From the hives perspective it’s a question of effectiveness vs the utility of individual bees remaining lifespan. Being even slightly more effective at discouraging mammals from raiding a hive for honey is presumably worth the loss of individual bees.

Wasps on the other hand lack the wealth of a bee hive so presumably different tradeoffs are worthwhile.

[slowhand09]

I don't know this fo ra fact. Actually I'd never even heard this before. I'd surmise the act of pulling a stinger out of another insect may be less than the amount required to pull the stinger form the bee's body, thus preserving the bee.

[imtringued]

I have been looking for this comment!

Bees need to defend themselves against other insects. The stinger doesn't detach when the threat isn't great enough to warrant suicide.