What are the characteristics of bee wings?

Circling bees often flap their wings one centimeter long at the speed of 240 times per second, and the amplitude of each flap is only 90 degrees, which is smaller than other insects, but the flap speed is very fast. Because other insects flap less than 200 times per second, and the amplitude of each flap exceeds 165 degrees. According to the consistent assumption of flight experts, the smaller an insect is, the faster its wings flap. In this respect, bees are an exception. For example, the Italian bee (Apis mellifera) flaps its wings with a width of 10 mm up to 240 times per second, much faster than the much smaller fruit fly, which flaps its wings only 200 times per second. Why do bees with short wings flap their wings as soon as possible? In order to find this, the researchers also observed how these insects fly at low pressure and high altitude. When they fly into a hive with low concentration of oxygen and helium, the air inside is as thin as 9200 meters. At this time, in order to support their own flight, bees have to increase the flapping range to close to 140 degrees, which is close to the flapping range of other insects. This unusual flight mode of bees is to meet the different needs they face in flight.

The researchers found that the change of the direction of bees' wings can generate extra power. Scientists have found that the lift generated by bees is unstable, but it is the largest at the beginning, middle and end of each flap. There is also a strange force, the known extra mass force, which can reach its peak at the end of each beat. When the wing direction changes, the acceleration can also be improved. In other words, changing the direction of wings can generate extra power. The researchers found that most insects flap their wings more widely, while bees are smaller but more violent. A way of bee is inefficient and unstable. Scientists believe that this unusual flight mode of bees is to meet the different needs they face in flight. They are the lightest when looking for honey. When they are covered with pollen or eggs, they weigh twice as much as usual. In terms of changing speed, the short-distance and long-distance flapping speed is faster, so the flying mode of bees can greatly change their rising strength.