Appetitive reversal learning differences of two honey bee subspecies with different foraging behaviors.

ABSTRACT: We aimed to examine mechanistically the observed foraging differences across two honey bee, Apis mellifera, subspecies using the proboscis extension response assay. Specifically, we compared differences in appetitive reversal learning ability between honey bee subspecies: Apis mellifera caucasica (Pollman), and Apis mellifera syriaca (Skorikov) in a "common garden" apiary. It was hypothesized that specific learning differences could explain previously observed foraging behavior differences of these subspecies: A.m. caucasica switches between different flower color morphs in response to reward variability, and A.m. syriaca does not switch. We suggest that flower constancy allows reduced exposure by minimizing search and handling time, whereas plasticity is

SUBMITTER: Perez Claudio E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6252072 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature