Do Honeybees Have Hair on Their Eyes?

Honey bees really have hair on their eyes—the microscopic short hairs are known as setae and help the insect with navigation. As honey bees fly, the hair on their eyes catches the wind to help them figure out direction and speed while traveling. It can also sense levels of humidity in the air and help lead the honey bees toward plants with pollen. Although there are over 20,000 other species of bees, honey bees are among the only ones with hair covering their eyes. The honey bees’ eyes are made of hexagonal lenses, and are so strong, they can see ultraviolet light that the human eye cannot, which helps them differentiate between flowers that have nectar and those that don't.

More about bees:

• Bees beat their wings approximately 180 times every second and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles (32 km) per hour.
• To produce 1 pound (.45 kg) of honey, a bee has to fly 55,000 miles (88,513 km) and tap two million flowers.
• The compound vision of bees is so strong, they can view 300 frames per second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do honeybees actually have hair on their eyes?

Yes, honeybees do have hair on their eyes. These hairs are part of a unique structure called setae, which are sensory in nature. They help bees detect wind and navigate, as well as assist in the collection of pollen, which sticks to the hairs as bees visit flowers.

What is the purpose of the hair on honeybees' eyes?

The hair on honeybees' eyes serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it aids in their sense of touch and helps them navigate by detecting air currents. Additionally, the hair helps trap pollen, contributing to the bees' role as pollinators, which is crucial for the reproduction of many flowering plants.

How does the hair on a bee's eyes affect its vision?

The hair on a bee's eyes doesn't significantly impair its vision. Honeybees have compound eyes that allow them to see ultraviolet light and polarized light, which are essential for finding flowers and navigating. The hairs are fine enough not to obstruct their vision but serve as an additional sensory tool.

Is the hair on honeybees' eyes similar to human hair?

The hair on honeybees' eyes, scientifically known as setae, is quite different from human hair. Setae are sensory hairs connected to the bee's nervous system, allowing them to detect environmental cues. Unlike human hair, these hairs play a critical role in the bee's interaction with its surroundings.

Can the hair on honeybees' eyes wear out or get damaged?

Like any part of a living organism, the hair on honeybees' eyes can get damaged or wear out over time. Exposure to harsh environmental conditions, pollutants, or physical damage can affect the integrity of these hairs. However, bees are generally adept at keeping their sensory hairs clean and functional.

Do all species of bees have hair on their eyes?

Not all bee species have hair on their eyes. While many bees, including honeybees, have these sensory hairs, some species may have less or none at all, depending on their specific ecological roles and adaptations. The presence and density of eye hair can vary widely among the thousands of bee species.