What two types of eyes do honeybees have in their heads?

Honeybees possess two distinct types of eyes, which are compound eyes and ocelli.

The compound eyes are large and make up most of the surface of a honeybee's head. These eyes consist of thousands of small lenses called ommatidia, which allow bees to see a wide field of view and detect movement very effectively. This is crucial for navigation and foraging, as it enables them to see flowers and other elements in their environment in a way that is optimized for their specific needs.

Ocelli, on the other hand, are simpler eyes located on the top of the bee’s head. They are typically three in number and play a key role in detecting light intensity and helping with orientation. Ocelli are particularly important for helping the bee maintain stability and direction during flight, as they can sense changes in light and darkness.

Together, these two types of eyes provide honeybees with a complex and highly developed visual system that aids in their survival and efficiency as foragers and navigators. Understanding these functions underscores the importance of both types of eyes in the context of a honeybee’s behavior and biology.