How many wings does a bee have? Perhaps such a question people ask because they are afraid to pick up a honey insect. The article will give a detailed description of the structure of the aircraft of the bee and its features.
Wing formation
The development of wings in bees begins at the pupal stage. Initially, the emergence of primordia in the form of sacs can be seen on the side wall of the mesothorax and metathorax. Surprisingly, neoplasms connected to the body cavity are distinguished by the presence of trachea, nerve branches and blood content. The structure of outgrowths is made up of epidermal cells that form a soft cuticle on the front side, which hardens as the bees grow older. The completion of the stage of wing formation occurs only after liberation from the doll shell. Under the influence of blood flow, the bulges straighten out and take the form of a bifurcated plate. Subsequently, the wings come together and grow together.
This process allows you to determine how many pairs of wings a bee has. Since the insect releases two double plates, we can say that there are two pairs of them. Moreover, the front is larger than the rear, but they have the same structure. At first glance, the elastic double plate seems fragile and weak. In fact, this is not so. Strength is given to them by veins, which are hollow solid tubes. During development, lymph is injected into them, which, in fact, spreads its wings. Under the microscope, short hairs can be seen on the wing surface, although in appearance it seems smooth. To better understand what kind of wings a bee has, you need to consider their structure in detail.
Veins
The venation of the wing forms a powerful frame of transverse and longitudinal hollow tubes. The first of them branch and connect with the second. The voids between them are filled with transparent membranes. Interestingly, the veins are not randomly located. Depending on the location, each of them has its own name and purpose. For example, 4 longitudinal tubes exit from the center: medial, subosseous, bone and anal. In addition to them, the vein network contains such tubular formations as radial, discoidal, and cubital, which complete the cells. Due to this structure in the wings throughout the life of the bee, metabolic processes occur. Moreover, it combines two necessary properties - strength and lightness.
Support
The fulcrum serves as a fulcrum. A long shoulder extends from it from the outside. In the area of attachment of the segment to the membrane, there is a point from which a short shoulder is laid to the column. When the back begins to shift, the flying plate of the bee rises. Due to the fact that the hollow tubes do not reach its edge, it oscillates.
A significant role in the movement of the wings is played by articular plates. They give the wings flexibility, strengthen them at the fulcrum and provide liveliness to the tips of the veins. Muscles are absent in the wings of the bee, therefore the muscles of the chest area of the body set in motion.
Muscle
For the main functioning of the aircraft, the spinal-abdominal muscles and the longitudinal muscles of the back are responsible. They coordinate and set the correct flight direction, providing the wings with their energy. They are called indirect-action muscles, since they are not attached directly to the base of the plates. With the contraction of the vertical muscles, tergite is delayed, as a result of which the wings located on the opposite side begin to rise. The contraction of the longitudinal muscles causes the tergite to bend, and the plate lowers. Longitudinal rotations are carried out due to the muscles that perform a secondary role in the flight of the bee, but have a direct effect.
Wing functions
Double wings are fixed on the thoracic half rings. In the starting position, they are laid along the back (the front ones completely cover the rear ones) and begin to straighten right before the flight. If we talk about how many wings a bee is responsible for lifting force, then there are two. In an insect aircraft, a large load during lifting and in flight itself goes to the front plates. They have clamps with which they cling to the rear pair of wings, which are endowed with special hooks.
How many wings does a bee carry out steering function? Two rear wings during the flight regulate the direction of the insect. Thanks to this feature, it successfully unfolds and makes all kinds of necessary movements.
A bee performs about 350 strokes per second. Their scope is quite wide, since the wings barely touch each other above their backs and almost cling to their lower extremities.
The amount of nectar brought in usually depends on the travel distance of the insect. The farther it flies away, the less its prey will be. On average, honey carriers cover about 7 km.
In bee-bees, flying plates wear out very quickly. From them you can determine the age of the insect and its family.
Destination
So, how many wings a bee has, we found out, now let's see why it needs them.
- The wings of a bee are primarily intended for its movement. Honey insects need to collect nectar in time.
- Ventilation. Fluttering with wings while in the hive, the bees ventilate their home, protecting it from excessive moisture. This is especially important when collecting nectar in hot weather.
- With the help of their lamellar outgrowths, honey insects clean the dwelling, sweeping away excess garbage.
- Bees also need wings to isolate special enzymes.
- Hum and buzzing of insects also arise due to the presence and operation of the wings. With their help, insects emit signals and sounds with various shades. Experienced beekeepers use this insect ability in their practice. By the sound of the plates, you can determine whether the bee returns with prey, or if a drone flies.
Hemolymph movement
How hemolymph moves in hollow wing tubes, remains a mystery to many scientists. The observations of experienced specialists have brought some clarity to how this process proceeds. In their opinion, the costal and subcostal veins serve as carriers of hemolymph towards the periphery. In the anal and discoidal tubes, an outflow is carried out, and the fluid returns.
The hemolymph cycle is maintained by reducing the pulsating organ located in the chest area of the body. The continuous process of movement is facilitated by the functioning of the trachea located in the subcutaneous tube. Her participation is determined by the ability to periodically contract and straighten. The research results showed that partially the outflow of fluid passes in this vein. Passing along the ventral region of the trachea of the subosseous tube, the hemolymph flows into the radial part of the plate, then into the distal part and completes its cycle at the same point. On the way back, the hemolymph passes through the dorsal region of the trachea and does not enter the radial tube.
Nervous system
The structure of the bee’s wing is a rather complex structure, which also implies the presence of nerves. The coordinated work of the insect organism is provided by the so-called “station”, which combines all the organs into one whole. The role of such an organizer is performed by the nervous system. It is divided into three parts: central, autonomic and peripheral. The last nerve chain in the bee is in the abdomen. From it the nerves branch to the muscles, sting, glands and other organs located outside. From nodes located closer to the chest cavity, nerves depart to the legs and wings.
Buzzing bees
Not all insects make sounds during flight. For example, butterflies make their trips rather quietly, and the “propeller” of some bugs works at medium volume. What is the secret of the strong buzzing of bees?
It all depends on the speed and number of flapping wings. An important role is played by the size of the flying plates. Insects with large wings rarely perform flies, and therefore their flight is soundless. As can be seen in the photo, the wings of a bee in relation to her body are small. To stay well in the air, the insect moves them with great speed, which creates a characteristic buzz.
The sounds played by the wings help the bees communicate with each other. In this way they transmit information and warn of imminent danger.
Finally
If you carefully examine the structure of the honey bee, the answer to the question “how many wings does a bee have” is unambiguous - 4. The structure of the flying apparatus of these insects is really unique, but it represents only one facet in the complex structure of the bee organism. Experienced beekeepers know how interesting it is to observe the behavior of these individuals.