Thorax, Wings, Legs, and Specialized Functions

1 . The thorax is the locomotion center for the honey bee. Why?

This is where the 6 legs and 4 wings are connected and powered

2 . What are the plates called that cover the thorax and act as attachment points for internal muscles?

Sclerites

3 . Describe the anatomy of the wings.

Wings are paired, with the front wing being the largest Each wings has “veins” carrying nerves through which blood flows The front and back wing are joined together in flight by tiny hooks called “hamuli”

4 . Are there muscles attached to the wings that cause them to fly? Why or why not?

There are no muscles attached to the wings, flight muscles are in the thorax and expand and contract causing the wings to flap up and down

5 . Name the six segments of each leg

Coxa, Trochanter, Femur, Tibia, Tarsus, Pretarsus

6 . What special feature does the tibia have on the hind leg?

Corbicula or pollen basket is a depression on the hind leg, and is surrounded by hairs used to carry pollen.

7 . Each one of the paired legs is modified for a special task and is different. Describe the differences. Front leg has a notch that is used as an antenna cleaner Middle leg has a spine protruding from it to spear wax from the abdomen to place in the mouth parts The hind leg, of course, has the corbicula for pollen collection

8 . What task is the front leg modified for?

The antennae are important sensory organs for the bee, which must remain clean in order to function effectively. Each of the bee’s front legs is equipped with an antenna cleaner. This specialized notch is lined with numerous fine, stiff setae. As the shaft of the antenna is drawn through, debris is removed. The tibial spur on the front legs helps to hold the antenna against the notch.

9 . What task is the middle leg modified for?

The tibial spur of the middle legs can be used to stab the fresh wax flakes secreted by glands on the lower abdomen. The wax can then be transferred to the mandibles where it is shaped and positioned on the comb.

10 . What task is the hind leg modified for?

The pollen press is located just below the pollen basket on the hind legs. As pollen is combed from the rest of its body, the bee uses this leg joint to compress the grains into a dense mass, which can be more efficiently stored in the corbicula.

11 . What is the “wasp waist” (petiole)? Do all Hymenoptera have a “wasp waist”?

Narrow segment that separates the thorax and abdomen visually Yes, all Hymenoptera have a “wasp waist”. Some are very long and noticeable- like the mud dauber