Evolution and development of selected neural circuitries underlying cooperative behaviors in worker honeybees

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Martin Beye
• Subject Area: Evolutionary Cell and Developmental Biology (Zoology)
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 563429529

The evolution of eusociality in vertebrates and invertebrates has led to sophisticated cooperative behaviors that bind individuals into groups. In the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera), the sophisticated, cooperative behaviors are not learned but are innately programmed during development in the worker caste. However, our understanding how such innate program is developmentally realized and is manifested that leads to the rich repertoire of cooperative behaviors in worker bees is rudimentary at best. The aim of this work is to characterize how the nutrition-derived caste-determining signal is used to control the early development of selected neural circuitries underlying worker behaviors as opposed to those in queens. This work will provide new insight into the evolution of eusociality and the programming of innate behavior in general.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants