What is the function of the pollen basket in bees?

The function of the pollen basket, also known as the corbicula, is specifically to collect and transport pollen back to the hive. Female bees, particularly worker bees, have these specialized structures on their hind legs. When they visit flowers, they gather pollen, which sticks to the hairs on their bodies. They then pack this pollen into the pollen basket, using their legs and mandibles, allowing them to efficiently transport a significant amount of pollen back to the hive.

This collected pollen serves as a crucial food source for the colony, providing proteins, vitamins, and fats necessary for the growth and development of larvae. The ability to gather and transport pollen is vital for the survival of the bee colony and is a key part of their role in pollination, which benefits the broader ecosystem.