Debris removal by head-pushing in A. florea Fabr. honeybees |
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Authors: | M Sen Sarma S Fuchs J Tautz |
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Institution: | (1) Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Chatha, Jammu (J&;K), 180 009, India |
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Abstract: | The nest of the dwarf honeybee A. florea Fabr. consists of a single comb attached to a tree branch. Recruitment dances take place on the upper surface of the comb
that must therefore be kept clear of debris. We report here, for the first time, a behaviour that serves for removing leaves
and other foreign objects from the surface of the comb. Individual workers crawl under the object and lift it with their heads,
pushing it towards the rim where it eventually slides off the comb. Objects that are heavier or fixed at one end such as leaves
are nevertheless lifted and kept away from the surface for up to several minutes. This "head-pushing" is frequently performed
without the aid of mandibles, and individuals performing it maintain a distinctive posture, holding the forelegs at an angle
without touching the object. Repeated involvement of particular individuals indicate that head-pushers might form a distinct
task group.
Received: 24 November 1999 / Accepted in revised form: 10 March 2000 |
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