How many wings does a bee have: description and quantity, basic functions and speed

Bees have a unique body structure. Therefore, in biology there is a special branch of science that studies the structure of the body of bees. It's called Apiology. In Europe, this term sounds like "apidology". This science includes studies that relate to all types of these insects. At the same time, many are interested in exactly how many wings a bee has.

Wing description

Both pairs of wings are attached to half rings on the chest. At rest, the bee's wings are folded. Before the flight, they straighten out. The front fenders feature special hooks, while the rear fenders feature hooks.

Each bee has 2 pairs of leathery membranous wings, or 4 separate wings. In this case, the rear blades are smaller than the front ones. They are located on a chitinous structure and are fixed on the chest part of the body.

Here are the strongest muscles. The thoracic region is not only responsible for flight and the work of the legs, but also contributes to the movement of additional cargo. The wings are devoid of muscle tissue. All the muscles required for flight are located on the torso.

Bee wings are living formations, not dead keratinized structures. At their base is a tubular chitinous vein that branches into smaller fragments on the flight surfaces.

Hemolymph current is observed in chitinous cavities. At the same time, metabolic processes take place in the aircraft. From above, the blades are covered with small villi. From the lower part of the upper wing there is a fold. At the same time, the lower wing is supplemented with hooks for hitching.

Main Functions

Bee wings perform a number of important functions, without which these insects cannot exist.

Flight

The main task of the wings is to ensure flight over long distances. At the same time, they help the insect withstand the additional load.

The wings, which are on one side, are fastened to each other thanks to small hooks. This helps create a single plane in flight. Teeth are present below. When the individual takes off, the hooks grab the fold of the upper blade. In this case, a large fly surface appears on each side.

If necessary, the pair is unfastened. At the same time, fragments of the wing seem to glide.

This mechanism makes life easier for the insect. For flight, a single design is considered a more convenient option, which has excellent aerodynamic characteristics.

When a bee is immersed in a flower corolla or when moving in the cells of the hive, the wings fold like a fan, forming 2 fragments. In a calm position, the wings are well pressed against the body. Moreover, a larger front blade covers the back one.

Ventilation and frequency compliance

The flight vehicle is also characterized by another purpose. In hot weather, during the period of nectar collection, working individuals carry out airing of the hives. At the same time, they activate the movement of air by flapping their wings. In addition, they use blades to clean the nest.Insects sweep the floor with their wings.

Beeps

During the flight, the bees buzz. However, the sounds are different. They depend on the state in which the insects move - with or without a load.

Determination of age

This feature is more interesting for beekeepers. The aircraft is considered to be a living and very fragile structure, which insects use frequently and actively. Because the wings of bees are subject to rapid wear.

By their appearance, the beekeeper can determine the age of an individual.

Flying speed and maximum distance

In 1 second, a bee is able to fly 2-14 meters. At the same time, it develops a speed of 5-70 kilometers per hour. Specific parameters depend on whether the insect is carrying a load. It is also recommended to take into account the relief. If the flight is free and does not interfere with trees or other obstacles, the bee is able to develop maximum speed.

During the collection of nectar and pollen, insects are able to move 2/3 of their mass on the body. At the same time, they can reach speeds of up to 19-23 kilometers per hour. Without load, the pace increases by 2-3 times.

Bees are able to overcome different distances. The purpose of insects is to collect nectar and pollen. If it was not possible to find the required substances nearby, working individuals are able to overcome up to 11 kilometers. At the same time, on flat terrain, insects fly away from the hive for a maximum of 4 kilometers.

Beekeepers claim that the highest productivity of bees is observed when they collect flower raw materials at a distance of a maximum of 2 kilometers.Overcoming more significant distances leads to wear of the wings and early death. In addition, insects will not be able to bring nectar from afar.

Wings are considered an important working tool for bees. Maintaining the normal operation of the hive and the manufacture of beekeeping products depend on their power and endurance. In addition, the wings are considered an informative indicator of age.

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