How do honey bees carry propolis?

Honey bees carry propolis primarily in their corbiculae, which are specialized structures located on their hind legs. The corbiculae, often referred to as "pollen baskets," are designed to collect and transport various materials, including pollen and propolis, back to the hive. When foraging, bees gather propolis from tree resins and other plant sources, packing it into these baskets as they return to their colony.

This is crucial for a beekeeper to understand, as propolis serves essential functions in the hive, including protecting against pathogens and sealing gaps within the hive structure, which contributes to overall hive health. Carrying propolis in the corbiculae allows bees to efficiently transport it without hindrance while they fly back to their colony.