Vibration Signal Modulates the Behavior of House-hunting Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) |
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Authors: | P. Kirk Visscher,Jennifer Shepardson,Linda McCart,& Scott Camazine |
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Affiliation: | Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside and Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, State College |
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Abstract: | Honey bees ( Apis mellifera ) in house-hunting swarms perform vibration signals (dorsoventral abdominal vibration (DVAV)) of 18.05 ± 0.45 Hz for 1.36 ± 0.23 s throughout the house selection process. These signals are performed by a specialized subset of bees, most of whom never perform recruitment dances to nest sites. Individuals repeatedly vibrate others. The patterns of vibration signal performance are consistent with the hypothesis that it serves to activate bees for take-off, but may also activate bees to scout for nest sites. |
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