Associative Olfactory Learning and Its Selective Suppression by Honey Bee Royalty

Abstract

Queen mandibular pheromone (QMP) suppresses aversive learning in young worker honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), but leaves their appetitive learning intact. Evidence suggests that dopamine signaling in the brain is targeted by this pheromone, but, if so, how does QMP modulate pathways that support aversive learning without interfering with dopamine’s many other essential brain functions? In addition to suggesting a solution to this conundrum, recent insights identify candidate targets of dopamine modulation in the brain. In the hope that this review will encourage others to explore this fascinating area of neuroethology, the chapter highlights some of the many fascinating questions that remain unresolved.