What is the term for the dense mass of specialized hairs on hind legs, which is characteristically absent in *Hylaeus*?
Answer
Scopa
The scopa refers specifically to the specialized structure found on many female bees, consisting of dense masses of branched hairs, usually located on the hind legs or the underside of the abdomen, designed explicitly for the external collection and transport of pollen, commonly known as the pollen basket. The genus *Hylaeus* is notable among bees because it entirely lacks this external pollen-carrying apparatus. This absence is a critical morphological trait used in classification, differentiating them from many contemporaries even within the Colletidae family. Their unique method involves gathering pollen and mixing it with nectar internally within the crop for transport.
Related Questions
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