What is the part of the antennae that connects to the ball and socket joint in the head?

The scape is the part of the antennae that connects to the ball and socket joint in the head of an insect, including bees. It serves as the basal segment of the antenna, attaching it to the head and allowing for flexible movement. This joint structure is crucial because it provides a range of motion for the antennae, enabling bees to effectively sense their environment.

The flagellum refers to the elongated, segmented part of the antennae that extends beyond the pedicel and scape, playing a key role in sensory input but does not directly connect to the head. The pedicel is the second segment of the antennae, located between the scape and the flagellum, but it too does not connect to the head. The term base is more generic and does not specifically identify the anatomical structure associated with the attachment of the antennae to the head. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the anatomy of bee antennae and their functional importance in navigation and foraging.