Head

1 . In the honey bee, the head contains what parts?

1. Sensory organs

2. Eyes

3. Antenna

4. Mouth parts

5. Sucking parts (tongue)

6. Chewing parts

2 . In addition to their compound eyes, honey bees have three ocelli on the top of their head. What is the probable function of these ocelli?

Ocelli do not “see” since they are not connected to any nerves. However, they help bees respond changes in light which helps them navigate.

3 . Describe the bee’s “compound eyes.”

Each of a honey bee’s compound eyes contain over 6,500 separate facets, allowing it to see in front, to the side, above and below itself. In addition, bees can perceive all the colors visible to humans except for red, which appears black to them. Honey bees, like many other insects, can see UV light as a separate color, which we cannot. Bees can also detect the polarization of UV light, which aids their navigation on cloudy days, when the sun is not visible in the sky.

4 . What is the difference between a worker bee’s eye and a drone’s eye?

Drones have much larger compound eyes than workers. A worker bee’s eyes sit on either side of their head. Drones on the other hand, have huge compound eyes, that sit on top of their head and touch each other. Since drones mate in the air, they need the ability to see virgin queens in flight.

5 . Describe several of the functions of the paired antennae.

A bee’s antennae are covered with thousands of sensory cells for touch and smell which are important locating food and communication between colony members. These sensitive organs also relay information about air speed and orientation during flight and detect gravity A bee’s sense of smell is much more acute than any mammal.