Functional differences of the proboscides of short- and long-tongued bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea)

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Abstract
Ingestion of liquids by a short-tongued bee (Andrena carlini), recorded cinematographically, involved repeated protraction and retraction of the prementum and coordinated lapping by the glossa while the maxillae remained motionless. The action of the proboscis of a long-tongued bee (Bombus pennsylvanicus) differs from this in that the prementum remains stationary. Differences in proboscidial mechanics are associated with morphological differences, which together affect the ingestion rates observed for five species of each of the two types of bees. Although small bees of both morphological types ingested nectar at equivalent rates, large long-tongued bees were more efficient than short-tongued bees of similar body size. The relative abundance of large bees in long-tongued families in two faunas suggests that the comparative efficiencies of these two morphological conditions has had evolutionary consequences.

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