What do bees use their proboscis for?

Bees use their proboscis primarily to taste and collect nectar. The proboscis is a specialized mouthpart that extends to reach flowers, allowing bees to efficiently extract nectar, which is a crucial food source. This elongated structure also has sensory capabilities that help them detect the sweetness of various nectars, ensuring they choose the most nutritious sources for their colony.

While filtering water, carrying pollen, and building honeycomb are important activities in a bee's life, they do not involve the proboscis in the same direct manner as nectar collection. The proboscis is specifically adapted for feeding, making it an essential tool in the bee's foraging process and ultimately in the production of honey.