Free Access
Issue
Apidologie
Volume 21, Number 6, 1990
Page(s) 541 - 545
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:19900607
Apidologie 21 (1990) 541-545
DOI: 10.1051/apido:19900607

Observations on the use of visual and olfactory cues by Trigona spp foragers

J.D. Villaa and M.R. Weissb

a  USDA, ARS Honey-Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Laboratory, 1157 Ben Hur Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70820-5502
b  University of California, Department of Integrative Biology, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

Abstract - Foragers of Trigona species were trained to artificial feeders associated with either yellow or blue colors, and the bees learned to associate the visual cues with a food reward. While feeding, foragers marked the plastic dishes with odors, which were later recognized by their nestmates. Odors left by foragers from different colonies of a single species elicited a positive response, while odors left by foragers of a different species elicited no noticeable response.


Key words: Trigona / learning / conditioning / visual cue / olfactory cue