What is the function of a bee's proboscis?

The function of a bee's proboscis is primarily to suck nectar. This long, tube-like structure is highly specialized for feeding. Bees extend their proboscis to reach into flowers, allowing them to extract nectar which is a vital source of carbohydrates for energy. As bees gather nectar, they also play an essential role in pollination, transferring pollen from flower to flower, which helps in the reproduction of many plants.

In contrast, while bees do produce wax for building and maintaining their hives, the proboscis does not perform that function. Communication among bees mainly occurs through pheromones and other behaviors rather than through the proboscis. Lastly, while bees do collect pollen, this task is typically done with their legs and other body parts rather than with the proboscis, which is specifically adapted for liquid feeding.