Odor discrimination in classical conditioning of proboscis extension in two stingless bee species in comparison to Africanized honeybees

摘要: Learning in insects has been extensively studied using different experimental approaches. One of them, the proboscis extension response (PER) paradigm, is particularly well suited for quantitative studies cognitive abilities honeybees under controlled conditions. The goal this study was to analyze capability three eusocial bee species be olfactory conditioned PER paradigm. We worked with two Brazilian stingless bees species, Melipona quadrifasciata and Scaptotrigona aff. depilis, invasive Africanized honeybee, Apis mellifera. These present very recruitment strategies, which could related odor-learning abilities. evaluated their gustatory responsiveness learning discriminate floral odors. Gustatory similar although S. depilis workers showed fluctuations along period. Results assays revealed that M. can odors a classical differential conditioning protocol discrimination maintained 15 min after training. During conditioning, presented highest discrimination, it intermediate, no discrimination. differences found are discussed considering putative procedure effect each species.