Which structure in bees functions similarly to kidneys in filtering hemolymph?

The Malpighian tubules are the structures in bees that function similarly to kidneys in filtering hemolymph, which is the circulating fluid in an insect's body. These tubules play a crucial role in excretory processes by removing waste materials from the hemolymph and maintaining osmotic balance. They extract nitrogenous wastes and other substances from the hemolymph and then transport them to the hindgut for excretion, allowing the insect to conserve water and regulate its internal environment effectively.

The proventriculus is involved in the mechanical digestion of food rather than in the filtration or excretion processes. Antennae serve as sensory organs that help bees navigate and communicate with their environment. The Masanobu gland does not exist in bees and is not related to the excretory system. Understanding the specific functions of these structures clarifies why the Malpighian tubules are the correct answer, as they are integral to waste filtration and excretion in insects.