Honeybees learn floral odors while receiving nectar from foragers within the hive.

摘要: Recent studies showed that nectar odors brought back by honeybee foragers can be learned associatively inside the hive. In present study, we focused on learning abilities of bees, which directly interact via trophallaxis with incoming foragers: workers perform nectar-receiving tasks Workers have received food from coming a feeder offering either unscented or scented sugar solution [phenylacetaldehyde (PHE) nonanal diluted] were captured two observational hives, and their olfactory memories tested using proboscis extension response paradigm. Bees significantly increased frequencies for corresponding odor in comparison those solution. No differences found between colonies. The results indicate first-order receivers learn association scent transferred foragers. implications these should considered at three levels: operational cohesion bees involved foraging-related tasks, information propagation hive related to floral type exploited, putative effect future preferences resources.