We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

What Is This... A Hi-Tech Pin Cushion?

Hint: There are a lot fewer of them now than there were a few years ago.

By Andrew Grant
Nov 18, 2009 6:00 AMNov 12, 2019 6:48 AM
beeeye.jpg
Manfred Kage/Peter Arnold

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Answer: The Eye of a Honeybee

Each of a honeybee's two compound eyes comprise a complex network of 6,000 hexagonal units for capturing light. The eyes are attuned to rapid movement—useful for keeping up with a speedy queen during her mating flight—and geometrical patterns. Bees tend to prefer radial, symmetrical arrangements typical of many flowers. Honeybees can also respond to a wide range of colors. They cannot perceive the color red, but they can see ultraviolet light. UV patterns on flower petals, while invisible to humans, attract bees and may help them distinguish between plant species.

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.