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What color is bee blood?

Published in Bee Biology 1 min read

Bee blood, also known as hemolymph, is clear.

Why is Bee Blood Clear?

Unlike humans and other mammals, insects like bees don't have red blood. The red color in blood comes from tiny bits of metal, specifically iron, found in hemoglobin. According to the provided reference, insects do not have metal in their blood, which means their blood appears clear.

  • Insects like bees, ants and grasshoppers do not have hemoglobin.
  • Hemoglobin contains iron which gives blood the red color.
  • Since bees don't have hemoglobin, their blood appears clear.
Feature Human Blood Bee Blood (Hemolymph)
Color Red Clear
Oxygen Carrier Hemoglobin None
Metal Content Iron None

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