The Buzz on Bees
Introduction
Anatomy of a Bee
Like all other insects, bees have three main body segments: (1) a head, (2) a thorax, and (3), an abdomen. Each of these 3 sections have specialized body parts that serve a specific function.
HEAD:
Eyes (10 and 11) : Bees have 2 large compound eyes that are used for general-distance sight, in addition to 3 small simple eyes (ocelli).
Antennae (9): Bees have two antennae with thousands of tiny sensors that detect smell
Mouth Parts (8): Mandibles are used for feeding larvae, collecting pollen, chewing/manipulating wax, and carrying
Proboscis (12): All bees have a special tongue that they slurp up nectar with, where it gets stored in a crop in their throat.
THORAX:
Wings (1, and 2): All bees 2 sets of wings, forewings and hindwings. In flight, the wings are hooked together by small hairs called hamuli (3)
Legs: Bees have 3 sets of legs that all have different purposes. The legs are segmented into parts (the femur (17), tibia (18), and tarsus (16)) - making them extremely flexible.
ABDOMEN:
Spiracles (4): Tiny breathing holes. The trachea ("windpipe") is attached to the holes
The abdomen also contains digestive and reproductive organs, wax and scent glands (only workers) and a stinger (workers and queens only)
Use the worksheet to the right to study the bee's anatomy! Then play the game below :)
Test your knowledge!
After studying the anatomy above, click on the interactive game to the right to test your bee anatomy knowledge! The application will list a body part, then you have to click the correct identifying arrow.
Have fun!
Types of Bees
Most of us are familiar with honeybees, but in the United States alon, there are over 4,000 species of bees! Bees can be split into two categories: native and non-native. What does it mean to be a native bee, you ask? A native bee species is one that is living in it's natural habitt and not