Which physical structure is developed on the hind legs of social bumblebee females for pollen transport?
Answer
Scopae
Social bumblebee females, including both queens and workers, possess specialized structures on their hind legs called scopae. These structures are essential for their role as foragers within the colony. Scopae are specifically described as concave areas that are fringed with stiff hairs. The primary function of these specialized parts is to effectively collect and transport large quantities of pollen back to the underground nest to feed the developing brood. The presence and size of these pollen-carrying structures serve as a direct indicator of a social bee's foraging duties, which cuckoo females completely lack due to their parasitic lifestyle.
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