Function: Bees brush pollen grains into the pollen basket using a specialized comb on their tarsus (foot).

Transport: The pollen is then packed into a moist pellet, making it easier to carry back to the hive or nest. 

Other names: Pollen baskets are also called corbiculae. 

Other bees: Some bees, like solitary bees, have pollen-collecting hairs on their hind legs, called a scopa, instead of pollen baskets. 

Pollen as food: Bees use pollen as a primary source of protein, which is essential for the colony. 

Location: Pollen baskets are located on the tibia (lower leg) of the hind legs. 

Structure: They consist of a fringe of stiff hairs surrounding a concave, hairless area.