OLFACTORY ANTENNAL MOVEMENT IN HONEY BEES: AN INSIGHT INTO SENSORY PRECISION AND NAVIGATION

Abstract

The study examines the function of olfactory antennal mobility in honey bees (Apis mellifera) and its importance in detecting odors and navigating. The research investigates the impact of antennal mobility on brain responses to olfactory stimuli and the bees' capacity to detect odor sources, using high-speed videography, electrophysiological recordings, and behavioral experiments. The results indicate that the movement of antennae greatly improves the ability to detect smells, as demonstrated by higher brain activity and success rates in identifying the source of odors when the antennae are free to move, as opposed to when they are immobilized. These findings indicate that the movement of antennae is essential for enhancing the sense of smell and efficiency in seeking food in honey bees.