A Guide for the Study of Animals Part 9

3. For what do the legs seem best adapted? Why?

4. Note the size of the eyes and of the antennae? How do you account for the great size of the eyes and the relatively small antennae?

5. What is the type of mouth parts, biting or sucking? If you have living dragon flies, try feeding them flies or mosquitoes and note how they are seized.

6. The food of dragon flies is mosquitoes and flies caught while on the wing. In what various ways is the dragon fly specialized for getting food in this manner?

_Summary._

How is the dragon fly fitted for its aerial life with respect to its body, means and method of locomotion, sense organs, kind of food and manner of obtaining it?

_Suggested drawing._

a. Dorsal view, showing veining of one wing.

6. THE HONEYBEE

_A Study of Adaptations for Community Life_

_Materials._

Preserved specimens of workers in small vials and in watch gla.s.ses, and some mounted specimens. A demonstration case showing the three kinds of members of the community, stages in the development of the workers and queens and the cells in which they are reared, specimens of the comb. Small pieces of beeswax, a box of honey, and specimens of comb free for examination. Mounted preparations of mouth parts and stings. Simple lenses and compound microscopes.

_Observations._

_The Worker Bee._

1. Observe and describe the form, size, regions, and covering of the bee. What are its colors?

2. Observe and describe the texture, veining, relative size, and position of the wings. Discover how the fore and hind wings are hooked together. What advantage in having them hooked together?

3. For what kind of locomotion are the legs best adapted?

4. Find the pollen basket on the tarsus of a hind leg. How is it fitted for carrying pollen? What are the wax shears?

a. Examine and describe the structure at the posterior end of the body used for stinging. (Use a mounted preparation for this with low-power of microscope.)

b. The mouth parts are fitted for both biting and sucking. Find what makes this possible. (Use mounted preparation.)

5. Describe the antennae and the number, position, and shape of the eyes. Are the eyes fitted for keen sight? Give reason for answer.

6. The worker bee gathers honey and pollen and defends the entire community from enemies. What various adaptations fit it for this work?

_The Community of Bees._

7. How do the workers, drones, and queen differ in general appearance?

8. Describe the appearance of the comb and the arrangement and shape of the cells. Why this shape? How are the cells closed when full of honey?

9. How do the cells used for rearing worker bees differ from those used for rearing queens? What is the appearance of the larvae? Of the pupa?

10. Examine and test in various ways a small piece of beeswax. What are the qualities possessed by this wax which make it suitable for making comb and protecting the home from storms?

Supplementary Studies of Bees

_Materials._

For this study an observation hive of bees or opportunity to visit an apiary will be helpful. If neither are practicable, then look up the answers in books. There are government bulletins on bee-keeping and much helpful information can be obtained from large dealers in bees and bee supplies.

_Observations._

1. How do bees protect their hives from rain and storm and light?

2. What are honey boxes? Where are they placed in the hive? Can the honey be removed late in the fall?

3. How is it safe to approach and handle bees in removing honey and caring for them?

4. What are their habits in entering and leaving the hive? What is the appearance of a returning loaded worker bee?

5. How do bees survive the winter? Why are the drones driven away or killed?

6. Watch bees gathering nectar and pollen from flowers and describe the process. Try following a bee on its journeys.

7. When the bees are in the hive, how may you know the queen and drones from the workers?

8. What is swarming? When does it take place? How is the swarm hived?

9. What is the home of wild honeybees? How found?

Summary of the Study of Honeybees

How is the work of the community of bees divided among the bees? How is each fitted for the work? What do you think of the success of this kind of life? Give reasons for your answer.

7. GENERAL STUDY OF INSECTS[1]

[1] This study is intended for an alternative study in case it is not practicable to use the studies of living insects. With slight adaptation it can be made useful for any insect, either preserved or living.