Some insects and arthropods bite and others sting. Bites occur when an insect uses its jaws to inflict pain and sometimes injects a venom. In the insects, stingers are modified appendages originally used for egg-laying (ovipositors) and, therefore, borne by females only. In other arthropods, like scorpions, stingers may be possessed by both male and female. Stingers are used to deliver a venom, either for defense or as a means to paralyze and subdue prey. If you think you are getting bitten by something that might be an arthropod, but cannot see or identify the culprit, start out by checking the F@ctsheet on Diagnosing Mysterious Bug Bites.
Bees
Bees are identified by their constricted waists, four wings and light- to densely-haired bodies (especially on the thorax).
Wasps
Most wasps, with a few notable exceptions, are predators, feeding on a variety of insects and other prey. Identify wasps by their constricted waists, four wings, and lack of any extra nodes (pedicles) between the thorax and abdomens.
Other biting and stinging pests
Fleas, bed bugs, venomous spiders and even stinging caterpillars are among the arthropods that can hurt people or pets.
