Honey stomach

Definition

Holds around 40 milligrams, roughly half a bee's body weight. Nectar carried here is not digested; a valve controls what passes into the true gut for the bee's own use. Enzymes are added to the load in the field, so honey production begins before the forager reaches the hive.

Guide records that discuss this

• Honey bee anatomyA honey bee is a flying nectar processor with a comb-building factory attached. Almost every structure on it maps directly onto a job the colony needs done.