Meeting Abstract
In this experiment we investigate whether bees trained to push a cap to reveal a hidden food source (CPR) have memory of such training. Data gathered in harnessed bee preparations such as those associated with the classical conditioning of the proboscis extension response (PER) or of the sting extension response (SER) the memory can last up to two or three days. The memory of free flying bees trained to visit a target has not been as widely investigated, but the published data suggests that it also lasts for several days. Typically, in the free flying experiment bees are terminated so not to contribute potential new recruits to the training situation and to avoid using the same bee in an experiment. In the course of conducting various CPR experiments in Lesvos, Greece, we would dispatch the bees following the specific experiments. To provide some data on memory of the CPR, we decided not to terminate the bees to gather data on whether the bees would retain some memory over a two-week period in June. We decided to report how many bees we observed returning to the target site and pushing the cap. Over the period we observed 29 bees return to the target site and push the cap to reveal the hidden food source. Of the 29 bees, 1 bee returned 48 hours later. The remaining 28 bees returned between 12 and 24 hours. We could not do a formal laboratory experiment because of space and time limitations. Nevertheless, our observations show that bees have a memory of the CPR that can last at least 48 hours. This research was supported by NSF REU grant 1560389 and NSF PIRE grant 1545803 and performed at Skala Kalloni Greece.
