Made me realize for the first time Bees are the only insect that most people don't find disgusting. I mean we literally eat what they create: Honey. It would be fascinating to watch them build their hives.
And I like Praying Mantises because I think they're probably secretly alien robots. I wonder if biologists have ever taken one apart to see if they're truly biological or a machine. I've seen one take down a humming bird, so it's gotta be some kinda machine bro.
I would think that was mostly because of the relation bees have to honey and all the wonderful imagery and thoughts people have about honey. But there is also a lot of general cultural tradition in bee keeping going back atleast 5,000 years.
> the only insect that most people don't find disgusting
That reminds me of a bit of fiction where a bioengineered commercial species is being critiqued:
> Miles leaned forward again, to peer in revolted fascination. "It looks like a cross between a cockroach, a termite, and a... and a... and a pustule. [...] Nobody will want to eat food that comes out of something that looks like that. Hell, they won't want to eat anything it touches."
> "People eat honey," argued Mark. "And that comes out of bugs."
> "Honeybees are... sort of cute. They're furry, and they have those classy striped uniforms. And they're armed with their stings, just like little swords, which makes people respect them." [...]
> Enrique said, in a bewildered tone, "So do you think if I put stings on my butter bugs, Barrayarans would like them better?"
> "No!" said Miles and Mark together.
> Enrique sat back, looking rather hurt.
--A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
Enrique sat back, looking rather hurt.
SoftTalker|8 months ago
tcoff91|8 months ago
Terr_|8 months ago
quantadev|8 months ago
And I like Praying Mantises because I think they're probably secretly alien robots. I wonder if biologists have ever taken one apart to see if they're truly biological or a machine. I've seen one take down a humming bird, so it's gotta be some kinda machine bro.
AngryData|8 months ago
quantadev|8 months ago
Terr_|8 months ago
That reminds me of a bit of fiction where a bioengineered commercial species is being critiqued:
> Miles leaned forward again, to peer in revolted fascination. "It looks like a cross between a cockroach, a termite, and a... and a... and a pustule. [...] Nobody will want to eat food that comes out of something that looks like that. Hell, they won't want to eat anything it touches."
> "People eat honey," argued Mark. "And that comes out of bugs."
> "Honeybees are... sort of cute. They're furry, and they have those classy striped uniforms. And they're armed with their stings, just like little swords, which makes people respect them." [...]
> Enrique said, in a bewildered tone, "So do you think if I put stings on my butter bugs, Barrayarans would like them better?"
> "No!" said Miles and Mark together.
> Enrique sat back, looking rather hurt.
--A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold Enrique sat back, looking rather hurt.