STUDIES OF INSECTS 31 



6. THE HONEYBEE 



A Study of Adaptations for Community Life 

 Materials. 



Preserved specimens of workers in small vials and in 

 watch glasses, and some mounted specimens. A demon- 

 stration case showing the three kinds of members of the 

 community, stages in the development of the workers and 

 queens and the cells in which they are reared, specimens 

 of the comb. Small pieces of beeswax, a box of honey, 

 and specimens of comb free for examination. Mounted 

 preparations of mouth parts and stings. Simple lenses and 

 compound microscopes. 



Observations. 



The Worker Bee. i. Observe and describe the form, size, 

 regions, and covering of the bee. What are its colors .' 



2. Observe and describe the texture, veining, relative 

 size, and position of the wings. Discover how the fore 

 and hind wings are hooked together. What advantage in 

 having them hooked together .' 



3. For what kind of locomotion are the legs best 

 adapted .-' 



4. Find the pollen basket on the tarsus of a hind leg. 

 How is it fitted for carrying pollen .■' What are the wax 

 shears ? 



a. Examine and describe the structure at the posterior end of the 

 body used for stinging. (Use a mounted preparation for this with low- 

 power of microscope.) 



b. The mouth parts are fitted for both biting and sucking. Find what 

 makes this possible. (Use mounted preparation.) 



5. Describe the antennae and the number, position, and 

 shape of the eyes. Are the eyes fitted for keen sight .' 

 Give reason for answer. 



