Honey Bee Worker – Anatomy

The body of the honey bee worker is segmented, comprising a stinger, legs, antennae, three thoracic segments and six visible abdominal segments. The honey bee's head includes the eyes, antennae and feeding structures. The compound eyes help bees interpret color, light and directional information using UV rays from the sun. The antennae are essential for detecting odors. The mandibles, or jaws, are used for eating pollen, cutting and shaping wax, feeding larvae and the queen, cleaning the hive, grooming and even defense. The bee's thorax consists of the wings, legs and associated muscles. The forewing, typically larger than the hind wing, is used primarily for flight and can aid in cooling, while the hind wing helps fan away heat and regulate the hive temperature. The abdomen has six segments, ending with a stinger in both workers and the queen, while the queen also has female reproductive organs.