![]() For their size, the jaw of the honey bee is quite strong. Jaws and mandibles are also used to manipulate and shape wax, chew pollen and other tasks. Unless these plants have other nectaries on the outside of the long deep bloom, their nectar will be reserved for other pollinators with a longer reach. Flowers with a long throat may be too deep for the honey bee to reach inside. The length of the proboscis determines from which flowers nectar can be harvested. A useful tool to suck up water or sweet plant nectar. The proboscis is actually composed of 3 mouth parts that come together to function like a straw. Located in the head region, the proboscis functions as the tongue of the honey bee. There respiration system is different acquiring fresh air through holes in the body rather than a nose. We know the antenna is important to flight because we see bees clean them before taking off to collect pollen or nectar.Īnother difference, although they need oxygen – bees do not have lungs. This measures how fast the bee is flying – and how far. These structures are able to detect airflow. One special structure located on the antenna is the Johnston’s organs. This ability is especially important to the scout bees whose job is to seek out resources for the hive. This helps the flying bee locate sweet smelling nectar in different directions. The antenna collects information about taste, touch and smell. And, many beekeepers would agree that the bee does have a nose and a darn good one. If bees had a nose – it would be the antenna. They help the worker navigate and know when its time to return to the hive. Not used for sight, ocelli are light sensors. ![]() Near the top of the head, you will find 3 small eyes located close together. This ability helps them find nectar rich flowers that bees love. In addition to seeing colors, they can see UV light. Honey bee sight is actually quite remarkable.īees see flowers differently than humans. Yep, bees have furry eyeballs! The hairs are very sensitive and help bees navigate. The large compound eyes are also covered with hair. They have to be able to see virgin queens in flight! Their eyes are well suited to notice movement. Those of a drone or male bee are even more powerful. Each compound eye of worker beesis made up of about 6900 hexagonal facets. The two large compound eyes take up a large area on the face. Each type communicates visual perception in different ways. In fact, they have 2 different kinds – compound and simple. I have a dog-eared copy on my beekeeper book shelf. Another book that focuses a bit on bee anatomy and behavior is The Biology of the Honey Bee. These beekeeping basics are extremely important if you want to be successful. Are the queen’s wings supposed to be that short? This is where some good beekeeping books comes in handy, many have excellent diagrams. It is beneficial to understand what normal bee anatomy looks like. If you colony has issues, you are in a better position to ask questions and get better advice about beehive management. If you understand how you colonies perform certain tasks, it is easier to understand the importance of each step in the process. It allows us to create a better understanding of life in the hive and how the colony functions as a whole.Ī good working knowledge of how the different parts of the body work together is especially helpful for new beekeepers. Understanding the form and function of the bee body is very interesting. These include flying distances to collect food, defending the hive, building beeswax comb etc. All of the parts of a honey bee work together to make survival possible.Įvery special job has a matching anatomical structure to help get the task completed. Though small in size, this insect’s body is a complex arrangement of specialized structures.
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