How pollinating insects find and learn sites in the landscape with their low-resolution eyes

Spatial learning plays a fundamental role in various mechanisms underpinning the excellent
navigational capabilities of insects. Despite their low-resolution eyes, they are capable of quickly learn
features and landmarks in the landscape in order to follow routes, but also for pinpointing goal
locations with remarkable accuracy. An insect's performance results from a combination of
stereotyped behavioural responses and cognitive mechanisms that influence decisions of when,
where and how to move. This project will apply a uniquely interdisciplinary approach to uncover how
the bee's spatial responses and use of views are influenced by large-sized landmarks.
The project offers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanistic interactions
between vision, multimodal sensory integration and learning that underlie view-based navigation in
flying insects, including those that are essential for the pollination of crops in fragmented landscapes.
Large-scale landmarks, such as the traditional Devon hedges, high hedges grown on earth banks that
separate many small and diverse agricultural holdings, are important for the behaviour and survival
of pollinating insects.