Flight of the Bumblebee

In a new study conducted at Queen Mary University of London and published in PLOS Biology, researchers have discovered that bumblebees watch and learn from one another, demonstrating a level of social learning that scientists have not previously seen among insects.

Similar experiments have been conducted among primates and birds to demonstrate that they, like humans, are capable of culture. The Queen Mary University bumblebee study now extends that phenomena to social insects as well, suggesting that what we have always assumed was instinctive could actually be socially learned.

To conduct the experiment, researchers designed a puzzle box that could be opened by pushing on either a red tab clockwise or a blue tab counter-clockwise to reveal the sugar inside. Lead "demonstrator" bees were trained to use the red or blue tab, while "observer" bumblebees watched. When the "demonstrator" bees were removed and "observer" bees attempted the puzzle, 98.6% of the observers chose the method they had been taught by the "demonstrator." 

According to Professor Lars Chittka, professor of Sensory and Behavioral Ecology, "The fact that bees can watch and learn, and then make a habit of that behaviour, adds to the ever-growing body of evidence that they are far smarter creatures than a lot of people give them credit for.We tend to overlook the'alien civilizations'formed by bees, ants,and wasps on our planet – because they are small-bodied and their societies and architectural constructions seem governed by instinct at first glance. Our research shows, however, that new innovations can spread like social media memes through insect colonies, indicating that they can respond to wholly new environmental challenges much faster than by evolutionary changes, which would take many generations to manifest.”

Much like Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov's magical Flight of the Bumblebee, bee behavior is delightfully measured -- something to ponder as spring blooms around us. In what ways do we underestimate the magic of God's creation? When can you find time this week to witness the wonders outside your window? 

Blessings on your week,

Jennie