Honey bee hatching, SEM

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Honey bee hatching, SEM

Honey bee hatching. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a European honey bee (Apis mellifica) emerging from its wax cell. One of its large compound eyes is at centre right. Two antennae protrude from between the eyes. The mouthparts are still partly within the wax cell, only the top of the proboscis (red) is seen. It comprises a tube-like structure with a hairy glossa (tongue) with which the bee drinks liquids (nectar and water). Bees are important pollinators of flowering plants. Honey bees nest in hollow trees, where they construct sheets of hexagonal wax cells. These cells are used for rearing young and for storing honey and pollen

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6461686

© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Antenna Antennae Apis Mellifera Bees Compound Eye Emerging Eyes Hatching Hatchling Honey Bee Horizontal Hymenoptera Insecta Proboscis Young

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the delicate moment of a honey bee hatching from its wax cell. In this coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM), we witness the emergence of a European honey bee (Apis mellifica) as it breaks free from its cozy abode. The intricate details are mesmerizing, with one of its large compound eyes prominently displayed at the center-right, drawing our attention to its remarkable vision. Two antennae gracefully protrude between the eyes, showcasing their vital role in communication and sensory perception. While most of its mouthparts remain within the wax cell, we catch a glimpse of the vibrant red proboscis – a tube-like structure that houses a hairy glossa or tongue used for sipping nectar and water. Bees play an essential role as pollinators for flowering plants, ensuring their survival and biodiversity. This image offers us insight into their fascinating nesting habits; they construct hexagonal wax cells inside hollow trees for rearing young ones and storing precious reserves like honey and pollen. The horizontal composition beautifully captures this tiny hatchling's head emerging into the world outside its protective cell. With every detail magnified by SEM technology, we gain an appreciation for these incredible insects' complexity and contribution to our natural world. Let this photograph serve as a reminder of nature's wonders that often go unnoticed but are crucial to sustaining life on Earth.

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