Pollen basket

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Apis mellifera flying

Pollen basket

A pollen basket, also known as a corbicula, is a specialized structure found on the hind legs of certain species of bees, particularly the honeybee (Apis mellifera) and the bumblebee (Bombus species). The pollen basket is an essential adaptation that allows these bees to efficiently collect and transport pollen back to their hive or nest.

Structure

The pollen basket is located on the outer surface of the bee's hind tibia. It is a concave, smooth area surrounded by a fringe of long, curved hairs. These hairs help to hold the pollen in place as the bee flies from flower to flower. The tibia itself is flattened and slightly concave, forming a natural container for the collected pollen.

Function

The primary function of the pollen basket is to transport pollen. When a bee visits a flower, it uses its mandibles and forelegs to scrape pollen from the anthers. The bee then moistens the pollen with a small amount of nectar or saliva to form a sticky mass. This mass is then transferred to the pollen basket using the bee's middle legs. The bee continues to collect pollen until the basket is full, at which point it returns to the hive or nest to deposit the pollen.

Importance

Pollen is a crucial resource for bees, serving as their primary source of protein and other essential nutrients. It is especially important for the development of larvae and the overall health of the colony. The efficient collection and transport of pollen by the pollen basket are vital for the survival and productivity of bee colonies.

Related Structures

While the pollen basket is a distinctive feature of certain bees, other insects have different adaptations for pollen collection. For example, some bees have specialized scopae, which are dense brushes of hairs located on their legs or abdomen, used for carrying pollen.

See Also

• Honeybee
• Bumblebee
• Pollen
• Hive
• Nectar
• Scopa

Related Pages

• Bee anatomy
• Pollination
• Beekeeping
• Colony (biology)
• Larva