n.
A bee that is forced to abandon its hive and kill itself after being infected by a parasitic fly. [Zombie + bee.]
Example Citations:
To learn more about a bizarre, zombie-like behavior recently discovered in honeybees, researchers are now tagging the "zombees" with tiny radio trackers.
—Charles Q. Choi, "'Zombie' Bees Electronically Enhanced to Help Solve Die-Off Mystery," National Geographic News, September 12, 2012
—Charles Q. Choi, "'Zombie' Bees Electronically Enhanced to Help Solve Die-Off Mystery," National Geographic News, September 12, 2012
These "zombees" are victims of a parasitic fly, Apocephalus borealis. The fly lays eggs within honeybees, inducing their hosts to make a nocturnal "flight of the living dead," after which the larval flies emerge, having consumed the bee from the inside out.
—David P. Barash, "Who's in Charge Inside Your Head?," The New York Times, October 6, 2012
—David P. Barash, "Who's in Charge Inside Your Head?," The New York Times, October 6, 2012
Earliest Citation:
Zombees!
—Jamie Jackson commenting on Lisa M. Krieger, "Deadly parasite turns Bay Area honeybees into zombie slaves" (comment), Mercury News, January 3, 2012
—Jamie Jackson commenting on Lisa M. Krieger, "Deadly parasite turns Bay Area honeybees into zombie slaves" (comment), Mercury News, January 3, 2012
Notes:
And there's this:
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers today sees Zipper, a helpful housefly, falling in love with a queen bee whose swarm is turned into Zombees by a scientist with a diabolical plan.
—Donna Gable, "Disney's animated romances," USA Today, February 14, 1992
—Donna Gable, "Disney's animated romances," USA Today, February 14, 1992
Related Words:
Category:
