Attack or retreat: Contrasted defensive tactics used by Cyprian honeybee colonies under attack from hornets

▶ Cyprian honeybees present two defensive tactics when attacked by hornets. ▶ Some colonies attack the hornet. Other colonies retreat inside nest cavity. ▶ Defence is correlated with propolis wall architecture at the entrances of hives. ▶ “Attackers” have wide openings on propolis walls that allow hornets access to hives. ▶ “Retreaters” have narrow openings that block hornets from entering hives.