Honeybee cognition as a tool for scientific engagement

Abstract

Honeybees are a well-established model for the study of learning and cognition. This is mostly due to the existence of well established conditioning protocols in this group. Although most conditioning protocols are straightforward, their implementation can be challenging due to the presence of multiple procedural steps necessary to ensure learning. Therefore, the use of volunteers to assist in data collection, can be a valuable resource to those who study animal cognition. Here, we developed and implemented a protocol to safely study the effects of caffeine and dopamine on learning performance in honeybees. Using a classical conditioning protocol, we demonstrated that caffeine, but not dopamine, significantly reduced the number of trials required for a successful conditioning response.

Chronic larval exposure to thiacloprid impairs honeybee antennal selectivity, learning and memory performances

“…The sub-lethal dose of thiacloprid used in our experiment was determined based on previous studies (Tison et al, 2016;Shi et al, 2018). After the adult honeybees emerged, they were reared on 50% sucrose (w/w) in wooden cages, after which their learning and memory abilities were tested (Denton et al, 2021) Electroantennography recording on honeybee antennae were conducted 7-8 days after emergence, from May to September 2022.…”

“…We tested the olfactory-associated learning acquisition and memory recall behaviors in 7-day-old adult honeybees exposed to thiacloprid during the larval stage. As the olfactory system does not fully develop until 2-3 days after emergence from the comb (Denton et al, 2021), before the experiment, individual honeybees were habituated to the setup for 2 h, with the head restrained to a cylindrical copper tube and the abdomen free to move. Furthermore, honeybees that did not respond to the 30% sucrose (w/w) solution were eliminated from further testing.…”