PLATE 1.17. QUEEN WINGS

Photomontage of the proximal third of the forewing and its associated plates at the point of the wing's articulation with the thorax (the head Is to the top, dorsum to the right). Visible at the wing hinge area is the largest plate, the tegula, which is closest to the body. Above the tegula and to the left is the humeral plate; to the right is the median plate, which seemingly communicates with the vannal vein (the stout vein that projects approximately through the center of the wing in this viewing angle). The high density and fine character of the microtrichia covering the wing surface is evident. Despite its rather stiff appearance, the wing is remarkably flexible and resilient, capable of propelling the bee at speeds of over 20 km per hour. With their wings "disengaged" and folded back over the body, queens are able to vibrate their wing muscles to produce the sounds known as piping or quacking. (x 34)