The Bee Body - Anatomy, Body Parts And Their Functions
Bees are variable in their physical characteristics. For example, some species have especially long antennae, others are particularly hairy and so on.
Bee species have evolved to live and thrive in their local environments, to cater for their own foraging preferences and methods.
To this end, they may, the variable nesting preferences or methods of collecting pollen are reflected in their bodily adaptations.
Regardless of the differences, there are physical characteristics which all species have, such as a head, thorax and abdomen, two antennae, 5 eyes, 2 pairs of wings, six legs and an exoskeleton.
Below, you can read more about various aspects of bee anatomy in greater detail.
External Anatomy Of A Bee And Common Questions
Overview Of Bee Anatomy
Whilst it's impossible to cover the anatomy of all bee species, the honey bee (the most studied bee-species) is a good place to start. Here's a labelled diagram and brief description of the external body parts of a bee.
Exoskeleton
The exoskeleton is like the outer armor of a bee (imagine a knight's armor!).
Antennae
Illustrations, description and the different functions of antennae
Wings
A description and labelled drawing of the wings of a bee, and remarkable facts.
Eyes
As scientist, Lars Chittka notes bees have 300o vision, and their eyes process information faster than the eyes of humans!
Bee Faces
The parts of a bee face, and what can they tell you about a bee.
Hair
A look at the hairy (or not so hairy) body of bees, and the special properties of bee hair!
Legs
They're not just for running and walking, the legs of bees have amazing adaptations for performing other distinct tasks.
Mandibles / Teeth
A look at how bees use their mandibles.
Tongue
The parts of the tongue and different lengths.
Common questions:
Do Bees Have Ears?
An explanation of how bees pick up sounds.
The Internal Workings Of The Body Of The Bee, And Common Questions
The Brain
Here's what it looks like, and how big it is.
Central Nervous System
Illustrated diagram and description of the central nervous system of a bee.
Hearts
Yes, technically bees have a heart! Here's how it works.
Digestive system
The parts of the digestive system of the bee.
Endocrine system
A description of the endocrine system in bees, and its function.
Common questions:
Do Bees Have Lungs?
And how do bees breathe?