What is a corbicula?

A corbicula is specifically defined as a structure that bees, particularly honey bees and some other species, use to carry pollen. It is often referred to as a "pollen basket." Located on the hind legs, the corbicula is adapted to collect and transport pollen efficiently back to the hive. When bees gather nectar and pollen from flowers, they accumulate pollen in this specialized structure, allowing them to maximize their foraging efficiency. This adaptation is crucial for their role in pollination as well as their nourishment and the sustenance of their colony.

The other options do not accurately describe what a corbicula is. A type of flower does not relate to the structural adaptations of bees, nor do chemical substances produced by bees, which serve different purposes like deterring predators. Similarly, a disease affecting honey bee larvae refers to health issues that bees may face, but these are unrelated to the physical structures used in foraging and pollen transport. Thus, option B is the most accurate representation of what a corbicula is in the context of bee anatomy and function.