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Clarke, D., H. Whitney, et al. (2013). "Detection and learning of
floral electric fields by bumblebees." <u>Science</u>
<b>340</b>(6128): 66-69.<br><br>
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Insects use several senses to forage, detecting floral cues such as
color, shape, pattern, and volatiles. We report a formerly unappreciated
sensory modality in bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), detection of floral
electric fields. These fields act as floral cues, which are affected by
the visit of naturally charged bees. Like visual cues, floral electric
fields exhibit variations in pattern and structure, which can be
discriminated by bumblebees. We also show that such electric field
information contributes to the complex array of floral cues that together
improve a pollinatormemory of floral rewards. Because floral electric
fields can change within seconds, this sensory modality may facilitate
rapid and dynamic communication between flowers and their
pollinators.<br><br>
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