The mouth-parts of the bee are highly specialized. The powerful first
jaws are used in the construction of the comb, and for a great variety
of other purposes, while the second and third jaws are drawn out into a
long suctorial and licking apparatus. The basal part of this constitutes
a tube through which nectar or other sweet fluids can be sucked up,
while its terminal portion is a sort of tongue (_ligula_) that can be
inserted into the recesses of flowers. This is worked up and down so as
to bring nectar within the tubular part of the apparatus. The end of the
tongue is expanded into a sort of lappet for licking, and the sharp
blades of the second jaws can be used for piercing certain flowers, such
as orchids, which contain sweet sap. When not in action, the suctorial
parts of the mouth are folded up on the under side of the head, enabling
the first jaws to work freely.