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:

1. 2. • 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 :)