Which part of the antennae is connected to the scape at the hinge joint?

The pedicel is the right answer because it serves as the second segment of the antennae in insects, including bees. The antennae are typically composed of three primary segments: the scape, the pedicel, and the flagellum. The scape is the basal segment that connects to the head at the hinge joint, allowing for movement. The pedicel is directly attached to the scape and acts as a flexible joint that connects the two parts, enabling further articulation and sensory capabilities.

The flagellum, while part of the antennae, is the third segment that extends beyond the pedicel and does not connect at the hinge joint. The scape itself is the first segment connected to the head and does not refer to any subdivision of the antennae. Finally, "joint" refers generally to the location where two segments connect rather than a specific part of the antennae. Thus, the pedicel is correctly identified as the segment directly linked to the scape at the hinge joint.