Honeybee hind leg, SEM

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Honeybee hind leg, SEM

Honey bee leg. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the hind leg of a honeybee (Apis mellifera). The dense coating of hairs are used to collect pollen. At top centre is the pollen basket (orange), which the bee packs with pollen to carry back to the hive. Pollen left on the legs may be brushed off onto the stigma of flowers the bee visits, pollinating the flowers

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

Media ID 6317389

© SUSUMU NISHINAGA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Apis Mellifera Colored Entomological Hair Hairs Hairy Honey Bee Pollen Basket Pollination Hind Leg

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate details of a honeybee's hind leg, captured through a scanning electron microscope. The vibrant colors and contrasting black background bring this tiny world of nature to life. The dense coating of hairs that covers the leg serves an essential purpose for these industrious insects - collecting pollen. Each hair acts as a delicate brush, allowing the bee to gather pollen from flowers it visits during its foraging missions. At the top center of the image, we can observe an orange structure known as the "pollen basket". This specialized compartment is where bees pack collected pollen before carrying it back to their hive. As they move from one flower to another, some pollen may inadvertently stick to their legs. When visiting subsequent flowers, this transferred pollen can be brushed off onto the stigma, facilitating pollination and aiding in plant reproduction. This stunning photograph not only highlights the beauty and complexity found within nature but also provides valuable insights into entomology and biology. It reminds us of how interconnected different species are in our ecosystem and emphasizes the crucial role that honeybees play in pollinating plants worldwide.

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