Navigation and dance communication in honeybees

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Randolf Menzel
• Subject Area: Sensory and Behavioural Biology
• Term: from 2006 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 29816609

Navigation and spatial communication in honeybees have been studied extensively on the level of sensory processing, but the structure and content of the spatial memory involved in distance orientation has yet to be addressed. Here we apply for a series of experiments that focus on the structure of the memory used by bees both to navigate within the range of their orientation flights and to communicate about locations within this range. A new technology (harmonic radar) will be used and improved to trace the full flight paths of bees marked with transponders. Two models concerning the structure of spatial memory will be examined. The first model is based on the integration of at least two far-ranging vectors, while the second assumes a structure of spatial memory best conceptualized as a geometric and relational landmark map. Our study will also address questions related to dance communication, since the bees¿ dance behavior depends directly upon the use of spatial information. We shall analyze and extend recent observations which indicate that more than just distance and direction may be communicated, and examine what kind of memory is used by dancing and recruited bees to indicate a desirable goal, decide about the goal and steer toward it. A major component of this proposal relates to the construction, improvement and further development of the harmonic radar system for tracing single bees in free flight over a radius of 1 km.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Wolf-Dieter Haaß