Assessing the role of β-ocimene in regulating foraging behavior of the honey bee, Apis mellifera

摘要: The larval pheromone (E)-β-ocimene (EBO) inhibits worker ovary development and accelerates the behavioral transition from nursing to foraging in honey bee, Apis mellifera. Because EBO diffuses throughout hive, it has been hypothesized that bee workers can use indirectly assess brood abundance. Here, we evaluate this hypothesis by testing whether plays a role regulation of activity. We exposed paired colonies pulse either synthetic β-ocimene or paraffin oil control recorded subsequent number pollen non-pollen foragers returning colony. Exposure moderately but significantly increased overall activity, not foraging. For foraging, effect treatment was greatest directly after exposure.