Common mechanisms in proboscis extension conditioning and visual learning revealed by genetic selection in honeybees (Apis mellifera capensis)

Lateralization is a well-described phenomenon in humans and other vertebrates and there are interesting parallels across a variety of different vertebrate species. However, there are only a few studies of lateralization in invertebrates. In a recent report, we showed lateralization of olfactory learning in the honeybee ( Apis mellifera ). Here, we investigate lateralization of another sensory modality, vision. By training honeybees on a modified version of a visual proboscis extension reflex task, we find that bees learn a colour stimulus better with their right eye.

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Identification of a new contingency-based response in honey bees (Apis mellifera) through revision of the proboscis extension conditioning paradigm

Journal of Insect Behavior ◽

10.1007/bf02765372 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 479-491 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Dolores A. Buckbee ◽

Charles I. Abramson

Keyword(s):

Apis Mellifera ◽

Honey Bees ◽

Conditioning Paradigm ◽

Proboscis Extension ◽

Proboscis Extension Conditioning

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The Olfactory Memory of the Honeybee Apis Mellifera: I. Odorant Modulation of Short- and Intermediate-Term Memory After Single-Trial Conditioning

Journal of Experimental Biology ◽

10.1242/jeb.161.1.367 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 161 (1) ◽

pp. 367-382 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

BRIAN H. SMITH

Keyword(s):

Apis Mellifera ◽

Memory Consolidation ◽

Single Trial ◽

Olfactory Memory ◽

Specific Effects ◽

Stimulus Identity ◽

Proboscis Extension ◽

Single Learning Trial ◽

Natural Situation ◽

Proboscis Extension Conditioning

In the first 15 min after a single learning trial the olfactory memory of the honeybee, Apis mellifera, proceeds through different processing phases during which time the memory is differentially sensitive to a cooling treatment that causes amnesia. During learning about floral odours in a natural situation, several decisions would normally be made about floral choice within that period. In order to study these phenomena in more detail, single-trial proboscis extension conditioning to different odorants was used. Several stimulus-specific effects on memory consolidation in the honeybee are shown. From previous experiments it was predicted that certain odorants would be more salient conditioning stimuli. This result is confirmed. Second, generalization from the conditioned odorant to a different odorant depends on the conditioned odorant and the time postconditioning. In some combinations, responses to a novel odorant are significantly stronger than responses to the conditioning odorant after memory consolidation. These data indicate that memory recall in the honeybee, as it is evidenced by proboscis extension, is sensitive to several aspects of stimulus identity and presentation. The acquisition and recall processes are therefore much more dynamic processes than realized previously.

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