How do bees collect nectar?

Bees collect nectar primarily using their proboscis, a specialized mouthpart that acts like a straw. This long, flexible appendage allows them to reach deep into flowers to extract nectar stored in floral structures. The process involves the bee extending its proboscis into the flower, where it can suck up the liquid nectar.

Once the nectar is collected, it is stored in a specialized stomach called the honey stomach or crop, separate from their digestive stomach. This enables bees to transport the nectar back to the hive, where it will be converted into honey through a process of evaporation and enzymatic action.

While bees do use their legs for various tasks such as gathering pollen and stabilizing themselves while feeding, the primary function of nectar collection relies on the precision and functionality of the proboscis. The bee's antennae serve mainly as sensory organs to detect smells and tastes, which helps them locate flowers, while their mandibles are used for tasks like chewing and manipulating wax rather than collecting nectar. Thus, the proboscis is the crucial tool bees employ to effectively gather nectar from flowers.