Vespids are generally more aggressive and sting to obtain food.
Apids sting as a defensive mechanism. The stinging apparatus is attached to the females' abdomens and those with barbs will die after stinging because of detachment of the stinger. The fire ant is a non-winged member of the hymenoptera group. The reaction to a sting is due to changes in permeability of blood vessels and to the reaction produced to the introduction of protein antigens that may lead to the production of IgE. Reactions to Stings 1. Usually cause pain at the site and localized swelling and redness.