The Behaviour of Bees in Dim Light
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Exeter
Department Name: Psychology
Abstract
Expansion of artificial lighting changes the illumination conditions in many natural and agricultural
habitats with many predicted impacts on plants and animals in ecosystems (Davies, Bennie, Inger,
Hempel de Ibarra, Gaston 2013 Artificial light pollution: are shifting spectral signatures changing the
balance of species interactions?. Glob Chang Biol 19, 1417-23). However, there is still a significant lack
of empirical research and knowledge about physiological, neural and behavioural mechanisms of
animals to critically evaluate and support these predictions. Here we aim to study the visual and
cognitive capabilities of bees when they forage under dim light conditions. Bees have excellent colour
vision and quickly learn to discriminate between flowers learning their colours and patterns (Hempel
de Ibarra, Vorobyev, Menzel 2014 Mechanisms, functions and ecology of colour vision in the
honeybee. J Comp Physiol A 200, 411-33). Their performance and decision-making under dim light,
however, is still poorly understood. Using carefully designed behavioural experiments, quantitative
data modelling and measurements in the field this project aims to study sensory and cognitive
mechanisms underlying bee foraging behaviour to develop an understanding of the limitations
imposed by dim illumination, natural and artificial. This research will help to develop more specific
predictions about the potential consequences for pollination services and the nutritional and health
status of bee populations
habitats with many predicted impacts on plants and animals in ecosystems (Davies, Bennie, Inger,
Hempel de Ibarra, Gaston 2013 Artificial light pollution: are shifting spectral signatures changing the
balance of species interactions?. Glob Chang Biol 19, 1417-23). However, there is still a significant lack
of empirical research and knowledge about physiological, neural and behavioural mechanisms of
animals to critically evaluate and support these predictions. Here we aim to study the visual and
cognitive capabilities of bees when they forage under dim light conditions. Bees have excellent colour
vision and quickly learn to discriminate between flowers learning their colours and patterns (Hempel
de Ibarra, Vorobyev, Menzel 2014 Mechanisms, functions and ecology of colour vision in the
honeybee. J Comp Physiol A 200, 411-33). Their performance and decision-making under dim light,
however, is still poorly understood. Using carefully designed behavioural experiments, quantitative
data modelling and measurements in the field this project aims to study sensory and cognitive
mechanisms underlying bee foraging behaviour to develop an understanding of the limitations
imposed by dim illumination, natural and artificial. This research will help to develop more specific
predictions about the potential consequences for pollination services and the nutritional and health
status of bee populations
