In observing Killer Bee Swarms it appears that the Bees produce a buzzing sound and during this sound they confuse their targets and then quickly move to overwhelm them. What is fascinating about this is that the buzzing for the most part comes from the wings when bees swarm, other species may make a sound another way. But in all of this noise there maybe more method to the madness than once thought.

At least that is what one online think tank member believes and suspects, as Warren Powers states; There are at least two components of sound energy as it may possibly relate to 1. bee wing geometry, 2. the bee swarm signal.

Could be more. For instance there could be sound coming from the body of the bee itself. And other swarming critters might do it differently. And we discussed the flapping speeds for resonance. That could change when in a big group? Also it is not just the shape of the wing but the way in which the wing is used we discussed that too. Also we discussed the pushing of air, thickening and possible bubble affect. All this affects the sound energy and therefore it is not just about wing geometry it is about angle of incidence, angle of attack and all the movements in-between during flapping. Shape of the wing is only one component, besides it bends, flexes and morphs during movement. It is not a simple shape, which stays as it is like a helicopter blade or current fixed wing airfoil. But sure we can talk about your two-factors if you wish; the Bee Wing Geometry and the Swarm Signal Affects.

Disruption of either changes the dynamics of the swarm whether or not much sound is being used to propel flight, although that too seems to be a factor. Are the bees using sound waves to aid in flight? Consider all this next time you hear a bee buzzing around? What do you think it is all about?