What are the small holes on the antennae of honeybees that function like taste sensors called?

Prepare for the Journeyman Beekeeping Exam with our quiz. Use flashcards, multiple choice questions, with explanations for each answer. Ace your exam with ease!

The small holes on the antennae of honeybees that function as taste sensors are called sensilla. These tiny sensory structures play a critical role in a bee's ability to perceive its environment, including detecting pheromones, flowers, and other important chemical cues. Sensilla are essentially hair-like structures that are embedded in the cuticle of the antennae and enable honeybees to interact with their surroundings through chemoreception, allowing them to make informed decisions on foraging and other behaviors.

The other options do not refer specifically to these taste sensors. The glossa is a specialized tongue-like structure used for feeding, particularly important for nectar collection. The cardo refers to a part of the insect mouthpart, specifically within the maxilla, and is not related to the antenna's sensory functions. Hamulii are small hooks found on certain insect wings, serving a completely different purpose related to wing structure and flight stability. This highlights the specialized nature of sensilla in offering bees their remarkable sense of taste and smell.

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