Bees learn preferences for plant species that offer only pollen as a reward

Avery L. Russell, Rebekah E. Golden, Anne S. Leonard and Daniel R. Papaj

Behavioral Ecology, 2016, vol. 27, issue 3, 731-740

Abstract: Lay Summary The amazing diversity of flowers is shaped by the preferences of foraging pollinators. Although bees must collect both pollen and nectar, learned preferences for flowers have only been demonstrated for nectar foragers. We present evidence for learned preferences by pollen foragers and show experience specifically affects their responses to the pollen-bearing anthers. We conclude pollen foraging behavior must be considered when seeking to account for similarities and differences in flowers of different species.

Keywords: bumble bee; floral display; floral rewards; learning; pollen; preference (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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