pollen basket

zoology

Also known as: corbicula

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

A pollen basket, also known as a corbicula, is a specialized structure found on the hind legs of bees. It is a smooth area on each hind tibia that is surrounded by stiff hairs. This area is used by bees to collect and transport pollen from flowers.1

In social bees, the pollen basket is located on the outer sides of the hind tibiae and consists of long hairs encircling a smooth area. Bees are crucial pollinators, and their physical adaptations, such as pollen baskets, aid in this process as they forage for nectar and pollen.23

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Hymenoptera
Special adaptations
…entire structure being called a pollen basket, or corbicula. In leaf-cutting bees (Megachilidae), the scopa is limited to the underside of the abdomen. In some colletids (Hyaleinae), the scopa is absent, and the pollen, mixed with nectar, is carried to the nest in the crop (anterior end of the digestive…
Read More
…entire structure being called a pollen basket, or corbicula. In leaf-cutting bees (Megachilidae), the scopa is limited to the underside of the abdomen. In some colletids (Hyaleinae), the scopa is absent, and the pollen, mixed with nectar, is carried to the nest in the crop (anterior end of the digestive…
Read More

stingless bee
Physical description
…hind leg known as a pollen basket, or corbicula, which can transport pollen, resins, and mud. Stingless bees have oval faces, short antennae, and distinct pointed chins. Although their stingers are too small for use in defense, the bees can inflict a painful bite, relying on their strong mandibles to…
Read More
…hind leg known as a pollen basket, or corbicula, which can transport pollen, resins, and mud. Stingless bees have oval faces, short antennae, and distinct pointed chins. Although their stingers are too small for use in defense, the bees can inflict a painful bite, relying on their strong mandibles to…
Read More