Hello, Lykkers! Have you ever wondered how bees gather pollen? It’s not just the fuzzy hairs on their bodies as most of us might think.
Today, let’s uncover the real process behind how bees use their feet to collect pollen and make this essential food for their hives!
Bees they can taste with their feet and their antennae!
video by Make Stix
The Anatomy of a Bee's Legs
First, let's understand the bee's "feet." Bees have three pairs of legs: the front legs, middle legs, and hind legs. Each pair serves different purposes. The front legs help clean the bee’s antennae and body, while the middle legs assist with grooming. But the hind legs? That’s where the magic happens!
On the hind legs, bees have a special feature called the "pollen basket" or "corbicula." This basket, covered in stiff hairs, is designed to hold pollen as the bee flies from flower to flower.
How Bees Use Their Feet to Collect Pollen
When a bee lands on a flower, it collects nectar first. While doing this, the pollen gets stuck on its body, especially on the front legs and chest. The bee then uses its front and middle legs to move the pollen to its hind legs. On these legs, the pollen is packed into the pollen basket.
The bee doesn't just drop the pollen in; it carefully presses it in using a series of leg movements. The pollen basket fills up as the bee works, and once it’s full, the bee is ready to head back to the hive.
Returning to the Hive and Storing the Pollen
When the bee returns to the hive, it deposits the pollen in a brood chamber. Inside the chamber, house bees compress the pollen and mix it with honey, creating "bee bread." This food will be used to feed the larvae.
A Clever System of Pollination
So, next time you see a bee buzzing around, remember that it’s not just the fuzz on its body that helps it collect pollen. The bee’s hind legs, with their special pollen baskets, play the most important role. Isn't that fascinating?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on how bees collect pollen! Leave a comment below, and if you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to follow us for more fun facts. See you next time, Lykkers!
