212 BIOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS 



used for lapping up nectar from flowers. For this purpose it is long, slender 

 and flexible, with roughened tip to hold more liquid. The labial palpi (L.P.) 

 are attached at the side and are probably sense organs. 



As a whole the bee mouth parts present a very high example of specializa- 

 tion, in which the usual six parts are developed to a condition little resembling 

 the typical condition in the grasshopper. 



Resulting from this, the bee can do several different operations with its 

 mouth parts, while in most cases they would be fitted only for one, such as 

 biting in the case of the grasshopper, or piercing in case of the mosquito. 



Fig. 3. The Wings. Attention is called to the relatively small size and 

 fewness of veins in the bee wings. This is evidence of high specialization here, 

 also, as they are perhaps the most efficient flying 'apparatus possessed by any 

 insect, yet are comparatively small and light. 



The few veins are placed in exactly those regions where strain is greatest, 

 the wing muscles are powerful, and operate at a high rate of speed, which 

 accounts for their small size. 



The posterior pair bears a series of hooks which may attach it to the anterior 

 pair, so that both act as one wing in flight, but fold back separately when at 

 rest. 



wonderful piece of protoplasm in the world, and this would apply 

 almost equally to several other representatives. 



Honey Bee. As an example of this order we shall study the 

 honey bee, since it is a form with which all are familiar. The body 

 regions are very distinct, the head being attached to the thorax 

 by a flexible neck and the thorax to the abdomen by a slender 

 waist. Each region is highly developed. 



Head. The sensitive, elbowed antennae, the enormous compound 

 eyes and three simple eyes are easily seen, but the mouth parts 

 are very complicated and are really a set of tools by themselves. 

 The labrum is small, but the mandibles are developed into efficient 

 cutting and biting organs. They are used in manufacturing wax, 

 leaves, etc., into cells. The maxillae are complicated organs adapted 

 also for cutting and piercing as well as aiding in the work of the 

 labium. The labiuni and its palpi form a very efficient " tongue " 

 for lapping up the nectar upon which they live. 



Thorax. The thorax is large, strong, and is provided with 

 powerful muscles which operate the legs and wings. 



The bees are notably swift and enduring flyers and their wings, 

 while small, are exquisitely proportioned and operate at very hi.uli 

 speed, producing the familiar hum. The anterior wing is much 



