Bees don't breathe like humans. Instead of lungs, they have a remarkable system of tracheal sacs that facilitate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange throughout their bodies. This intricate network allows them to efficiently manage their respiration.
The Bee Respiratory System: A Closer Look
The process begins with spiracles, tiny openings located on the bee's abdomen, thorax, and even near the sting chamber. These spiracles act as valves, opening and closing to regulate airflow. When the bee relaxes its abdomen, these valves open, allowing fresh air into the tracheal system. The tracheal sacs then distribute the oxygen to the bee's tissues. Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of respiration, follows the reverse path, exiting the body through the spiracles.
- No Lungs: Bees lack lungs and a diaphragm, unlike mammals.
- Tracheal System: A network of tracheal sacs and tubes carries oxygen directly to the tissues.
- Spiracles: These are the external openings of the tracheal system.
- Abdominal Movement: The relaxation and contraction of the abdomen helps regulate air intake and expulsion.
This system is incredibly efficient, allowing bees to perform strenuous activities like flying and building honeycombs without needing a complex, centralized respiratory system like lungs. As noted in multiple sources, including Bee Professor (https://beeprofessor.com/do-bees-have-lungs-how-do-they-breathe/) and BeesWiki (https://beeswiki.com/do-bees-have-lungs/), bees rely on this tracheal system, not lungs, for respiration. Further, as the American Bee Journal article points out (https://americanbeejournal.com/respiration-and-circulation-in-honey-bees/), their circulatory system doesn't transport oxygen.
The efficient design of this respiratory system allows bees to work tirelessly within their hives for extended periods (https://www.reddit.com/r/educationalgifs/comments/cy9hvx/honey_bees_breathe_through_holes_in_the_sides_of/).
