Pollen on the hairs of a bee

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Pollen on the hairs of a bee

Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of unidentified pollen grains on the hairs of the face of a worker honey bee (Apis mellifera). The hairs on the face of the honey bee are especially suited to gathering pollen; wedged amongst them, the pollen is carried from flower to flower as the bee flies about. Some grains rub off against the female stigmatic surface of the right species of flower, pollinating the plant; others rub off against the wrong species, or are lost. The bee also has a structure, called the pollen basket, on its hind knees; it combs the grains from its body with its front claws & transfers them to the basket. Magnification: X200 at 6x6cm size

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

Media ID 6287757

© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Apis Mellifera Bees Honey Bee Insect Borne Pollen Re Production Reproductive

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate world of pollination. In this scanning electron micrograph, we are granted a close-up view of a worker honey bee's face covered in unidentified pollen grains. The fine hairs on the bee's face play a crucial role in gathering and transporting pollen from flower to flower as it goes about its busy routine. As the bee flies from one blossom to another, some of these grains rub off against the female stigmatic surface of the correct species, effectively pollinating the plant and enabling reproduction. However, not all encounters result in successful pollination; some grains may inadvertently land on flowers that belong to different species or simply get lost along the way. The honey bee possesses an additional tool for efficient pollen management – a structure known as the pollen basket located on its hind knees. Using its front claws, it meticulously combs off excess grains from its body and transfers them into this specialized compartment. At 200 times magnification and printed at 6x6cm size, this image allows us to appreciate nature's intricate mechanisms up close. It serves as a reminder of how vital bees are for our ecosystem by facilitating plant reproduction through their diligent work as insect-borne agents. This remarkable photograph captures both beauty and functionality within nature's delicate balance.

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