September 26, 2016

Honey Bee Anatomy and Physiology

Some understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the honey bee is essential if you are to become a successful beekeeper. We have written the following articles covering the main aspects of  honey bee physiology and anatomy which you should find helpful.

Differences in the Anatomy of a Queen Bee, Worker Bee and Drone As far as size is concerned the queen honey bee is the longest of the three. However unlike the other two……

Basic Bee Anatomy Like all insects the body of a bee is divided into three main sections, the head, the thorax and the abdomen.

Honey Bee Exoskeleton Bees like all insects have their skeletons on the outside, exoskeletons , with the muscles attached to the inside.

Honey Bee Respiratory System In bees and all insects, blood is not used to transport oxygen where needed but instead the trachea are used.

Honey Bee Circulatory System The blood or haemolymph of a bee carries no oxygen, (that is the job of the tracheal system)  so does not contain the red pigment haemoglobin and as a result is a pale straw or amber colour.

Honey Bee Digestive System – Alimentary System The bee’s alimentary canal starts with the bee’s mouth which is situated between the base of the mandibles.

Honey Bee Larvae Digestive System – Alimentary Canal The alimentary canal of a bee larvae is not as complex and developed as that of  a fully grown bee , but still has to function efficiently to ensure…

Honey Bee Glands The worker honey bee has several important glands situated in her head, thorax and abdomen.

Bee Brain and Nervous System Honey bees like most insects not only have a brain in their head but several sub brains or ganglia (7 of these) spread throughout their bodies. There are 2 ganglia in the thorax and 5 in the abdomen.

How and Why Honey Bees Make Wax Wax is produced as needed by worker bees to form and repair comb and individual cells. The wax is secreted by these worker bees ….