Colony defence in bumblebees (Bombus terrestris).

ABSTRACT: Bumblebees are key pollinators of both wild plants and agricultural crops, hence understanding their biology is critical for conservation efforts as well as for managing domesticated colonies. While their foraging and reproductive ecology have received a lot of attention, we know little about another crucial part of their behavioural repertoire: colony defence. In this study, we examine the defensive responses of individuals in whole colonies, maintained in the laboratory, after disturbing them with a mechanical jolt. As a result, we present a detailed ethogram of the defensive behaviour of Bombus terrestris in response to mechanical disturbances, as could be induced by vertebrate attacks or handling. In addition to identifying and describing the different responses elicited by this distur

SUBMITTER: Sarlak S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12674513 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature