4.0 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE HONEYBEE
The candidate will be:
4.8 able to give a simple description of the collection and use of pollen, water and propolis in the honeybee colony;
NOTES
Pollen is collected from flowers. Pollen tends to stick to the bees hairy body and is then combed back with the legs and packed into a bundle on the back legs. Special bristles on the back pair of legs (the pollen basket) are adaptations that help the bee pack and carry large quantities of pollen.
Pollen is stored in the hive, packed in cells, generally in the zone between the brood area and the honey stores. This pollen store is convenient for access for feeding to the brood larvae. Pollen is essential food for bees, especially developing larvae, as in contains a source of protein as well as small quantities of minerals and other elements.
Water is collected from moist ground or the edges of water bodies and like nectar is transported to the hive in the honey stomach and then regurgitated. Water is used to dilute honey from stores for feeding. Also water is used as a cooling agent within the hive. It is spread as a thin layer over the surface of the comb and the evaporation cools the brood area to help maintain the optimum brood rearing temperature.
Propolis is a sticky substance produced by plants as tree resin, or as the protective covering of buds. Bees collect propolis and transport it on their pollen baskets. There is evidence that older workers specialise in propolis collection as it damages the pollen baskets and so those bees will not be able to forage for pollen afterwards. Propolis is used in the hive to seal small holes and gaps and to strengthen the comb cell walls. Propolis has antibacterial and antifungal properties so its use in the hive may prevent infecxtions. Propolis is also used to “mummify” hive intruders like mice that have died and are too large to be removed.