Honeybee methodology, cognition, and theory: recording local directional decisions in interpatch foraging and interpreting their theoretical relevance |
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Authors: | Daniel A Najera Rudolf Jander |
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Institution: | (1) Washburn University, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621, USA;(2) The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA |
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Abstract: | Investigations made into the cognitive decision making of honeybees (Apis mellifera) traveling from one flower patch to another flower patch (interpatch foraging) are few. To facilitate such research, we present
methods to artificially emulate interpatch foraging and quantify the immediate decision making of honeybees (within 50 cm)
choosing to fly an interpatch path. These “Interpatch Methods” are validated, applied, and shown to produce novel information
for the field of honeybee spatial cognition. Generally, we demonstrate that a single foraging cohort of honeybees is shown
to be capable of making decisions based upon different sets of learned cues, in the exact same context. Specifically, both
terminal beacon orientation cues and compass navigation cues can guide the cognitive decision making of interpatch foraging
honeybees; our bees chose both cues equally. Finally, the theoretical importance of decision making for interpatch paths is
compared with the other foraging paths (outward and homing) with respect to the information available to recruited foragers
and scout foragers. We conclude that the ability to analyze interpatch foraging is critical for a more complete understanding
of honeybee foraging cognition and that our methods are capable of providing that understanding. |
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