SEM study on the Antenna of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The number and distribution and the morphology of the various receptors on the honey bee antenna Apis mellifera are described, using histological techniques and scanning electron microscopy SEM. Receptors described include sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconicum, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla ampulaceum , sensilla campaniformium and sensilla placodeum.
Honey bees use their antennae to detect odor. The honey bee’s sense of smell is so sensitive that it can detect the trace of a scent in flight. Once the scent is detected on the antennae, the bee’s hyper-sensitive olfactory path processes the information, enabling the bee to determine the relevance of the scent to her search for pollen.