corbiculum

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corbiculum Area on the outer face of the hind tibia of female bees of the family Apidae, which is specialized for the transport of pollen and of nest-building materials, e.g. resin, mud, or dung. The corbiculum comprises a smooth, shiny depression fringed by stiff bristles, into which pollen or building materials are compacted for transport to the nest. The corbiculum is absent in apids which live as cuckoo bees.

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