In a message dated 11/05/2007 00:33:52 GMT Standard Time, [log in to unmask]  
writes:

A high  percentage of bees leaving the hive quickly wiped over their 
antennae  before launching off to where ever they were flying  to.



Peter,
 
If you look closely (with magnification) at the foreleg of the bee you will  
notice at the proximal end of the basitarsus a semi circular notch with a comb 
 inside. This is the antenna cleaner.  Look slightly further towards the bee  
and you will find at the distal end of the tibia a small fibula and in the  
cleaning action this closes over the notch to complete the circle through which 
 the antenna is drawn.
 
The bee invented the Swiss Army Knife before Switzerland was  invented!
 
Chris



   

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