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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:Apis_mellifera_flying.jpg|Apis mellifera flying|thumb]] '''Pollen basket'''<br />
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A '''pollen basket''', also known as a '''corbicula''', is a specialized structure found on the hind legs of certain species of [[bees]], particularly the [[honeybee]] ([[Apis mellifera]]) and the [[bumblebee]] ([[Bombus]] species). The pollen basket is an essential adaptation that allows these bees to efficiently collect and transport [[pollen]] back to their [[hive]] or [[nest]].<br />
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==Structure==<br />
The pollen basket is located on the outer surface of the bee's hind tibia. It is a concave, smooth area surrounded by a fringe of long, curved hairs. These hairs help to hold the pollen in place as the bee flies from flower to flower. The tibia itself is flattened and slightly concave, forming a natural container for the collected pollen.<br />
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==Function==<br />
The primary function of the pollen basket is to transport pollen. When a bee visits a flower, it uses its [[mandibles]] and [[forelegs]] to scrape pollen from the [[anthers]]. The bee then moistens the pollen with a small amount of [[nectar]] or [[saliva]] to form a sticky mass. This mass is then transferred to the pollen basket using the bee's middle legs. The bee continues to collect pollen until the basket is full, at which point it returns to the hive or nest to deposit the pollen.<br />
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==Importance==<br />
Pollen is a crucial resource for bees, serving as their primary source of [[protein]] and other essential nutrients. It is especially important for the development of [[larvae]] and the overall health of the colony. The efficient collection and transport of pollen by the pollen basket are vital for the survival and productivity of bee colonies.<br />
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==Related Structures==<br />
While the pollen basket is a distinctive feature of certain bees, other insects have different adaptations for pollen collection. For example, some bees have specialized [[scopa]]e, which are dense brushes of hairs located on their legs or abdomen, used for carrying pollen.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
* [[Honeybee]]<br />
* [[Bumblebee]]<br />
* [[Pollen]]<br />
* [[Hive]]<br />
* [[Nectar]]<br />
* [[Scopa]]<br />
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==Related Pages==<br />
* [[Bee anatomy]]<br />
* [[Pollination]]<br />
* [[Beekeeping]]<br />
* [[Colony (biology)]]<br />
* [[Larva]]<br />
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[[Category:Bee anatomy]]<br />
[[Category:Pollination]]<br />
[[Category:Entomology]]<br />
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{{Bee anatomy}}<br />
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