What are the dense, electrostatically-charged hairs on bees used for pollen collection called?

What are the dense, electrostatically-charged hairs on bees used for pollen collection called?

• A. Bristles
• B. Scopae
• C. Setae
• D. Glands

Answer: (B)

Scopae are the dense patches of hairs bees use to gather pollen. These specialized, brush-like hairs sit on the legs and are packed tightly enough to trap pollen grains. The hairs become electrostatically charged as the bee moves, which helps pollen stick to them as the bee brushes against anthers. Once collected, the pollen is carried back to the nest, often transferred to pollen baskets on the hind legs for transport. This makes scopae distinct from general hairs (setae or bristles) or from glands, which serve different roles and aren’t the pollen-collecting structures.

Scopae are the dense patches of hairs bees use to gather pollen. These specialized, brush-like hairs sit on the legs and are packed tightly enough to trap pollen grains. The hairs become electrostatically charged as the bee moves, which helps pollen stick to them as the bee brushes against anthers. Once collected, the pollen is carried back to the nest, often transferred to pollen baskets on the hind legs for transport. This makes scopae distinct from general hairs (setae or bristles) or from glands, which serve different roles and aren’t the pollen-collecting structures.