Corbicula
- Pronunciation
- /kor-BIK-yoo-luh/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Corbicula
- Plural
- Corbiculae
Definition
A structure found on the hind legs of certain bees, notably honeybees and bumblebees, consisting of a smooth, concave area surrounded by stiff hairs, used to transport pollen back to the hive.
Etymology
From Latin 'corbicula', meaning 'little basket' or 'small basket'.
Example
The worker bee used its corbicula to collect pollen from the flowers and carry it back to the hive.
Synonyms
Related Terms
- Pollen
- Hind legs
- Honeybee
- Bumblebee
- Pollination
Usage Notes
Corbiculae are a distinctive feature of social bees, aiding in the efficient collection and transport of pollen necessary for feeding the colony.