Puzzle piece #1

National Geographic Award Winning photograph of the year 2024

Bees possess specialized anatomical features that enable them to efficiently collect and transport pollen, which is vital for their survival and the growth of their colonies. One of the most notable adaptations is the "pollen basket", or corbicula, located on the hind legs of many bee species, particularly honeybees. This basket is a concave structure covered in stiff hairs that allows bees to pack pollen tightly as they gather it from flowers.

When a bee visits a blossom, it uses its proboscis to extract nectar, while its legs brush against the flower's anthers, picking up pollen grains. The bee then transfers the pollen to its hind legs, where it is compressed and stored in the pollen basket. Additionally, bees have specialized hairs called scopa, which are designed to collect and hold pollen. These hairs are found on various body parts, including the legs and abdomen, allowing bees to maximize their pollen-capturing efficiency.

In addition to their physical adaptations, bees have a remarkable foraging behavior. They are attracted to flowers by their colors, scents, and patterns, which signal the availability of nectar and pollen. As they visit multiple flowers, bees inadvertently facilitate cross-pollination, promoting plant reproduction. This symbiotic relationship is essential for the health of many ecosystems. In summary, the combination of specialized structures and foraging techniques equips bees with the tools necessary to collect and transport pollen effectively, ensuring their survival and benefiting the environment.

Conclusion 1: Insects, the chameleons feed on, are heavily contaminated with pollen. 

Puzzle piece #2

Bees have two stomachs: one to eat and the other to store nectar 

Bees have a unique digestive system that includes two distinct stomachs, often referred to as a "honey stomach" and a "midgut" (or "digestive stomach"). 

1. Honey Stomach (Cuddle or Crop): This is an expansion of the esophagus and functions as a storage organ for nectar. When bees collect nectar from flowers, they store it temporarily in this honey stomach. The nectar can even start to be converted into honey through the addition of enzymes. Once the bee returns to the hive, it regurgitates the nectar from the honey stomach to pass it on to other worker bees or deposit it directly into the honeycomb for processing.

2. Midgut (Digestive Stomach): After the nectar is processed, what remains goes into the midgut, which is more akin to the digestive stomach found in other animals. This part of the digestive system is responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients. Here, enzymes break down sugars and other components of the food, allowing the bee to absorb the nutrients it needs. 

In order to sustain long-distance flights and effectively carry back pollen and nectar to the hive, bees consume high-energy food prior to their foraging quests. This food, known as "bee bread", is a modified form of pollen that has been mixed with nectar and enzymes by worker bees. 

Conclusion 2: Chameleons feed on bees, which wear nectar in one stomach and bee-bred in the other 

Puzzle piece #3

Chameleons (C. calyptratus, Captive) eat bees and humblebees, courtesy of Mindy Campagna Miskuff

Chameleons primarily feed on insects in the wild, with a significant proportion of their diet consisting of pollinators. These fascinating reptiles inhabit environments like bushes and trees, strategically positioning themselves where they frequently encounter various insects. Many of these insects, such as bees, wasps, flies, and certain beetle families, are drawn to flowering plants and trees in search of nectar or sap. This creates an abundant food source for chameleons.

Chameleons have evolved remarkable adaptations to aid in their hunting. Their long, sticky tongues can extend rapidly to snatch up flying insects from a distance, allowing them to capture prey with impressive accuracy. The color-changing capability of these reptiles, while primarily used for communication and thermoregulation, also helps them blend into their leafy surroundings, making it easier to ambush unsuspecting and fast moving pollinators.

As chameleons perch on branches, they can observe the activities of their prey. The tree-dwelling lifestyle contributes to their success in catching insects, particularly those that are attracted to flowers, as these insects are often abundant during blooming seasons. By consuming a variety of pollinators, chameleons play a role in the ecological balance, as their feeding strategies directly connect them to the plants that rely on these insects for reproduction. Thus, the interplay between chameleons and pollinators highlights the intricate relationships within ecosystems where these reptiles thrive.

Conclusion 3: Chameleons feed on insects serving as pollinators

Puzzle piece #4

Chameleon (C. arabicus, Oman) eating Acacia sp.  flowers, photo Petr Necas

Chameleons occasionally feed on plant matter, particularly leaves, which aid in digestion by providing essential fiber and nutrients. This plant material helps encapsulate their food, allowing it to pass through their short intestines more effectively. 

Additionally, chameleons are known to consume flowers, particularly those in white, orange, yellow, and red hues. Flowers are rich in pollen and nectar, which serve as vital dietary supplements for chameleons, enhancing their overall health, boosting their immune systems, and contributing to their fitness. This varied diet supports their survival in diverse habitats.

Conclusion 4: Chameleons feed on pollen also while digesting flowers