Social cues mediate thermoregulatory fanning behavior in honeybees (Apis mellifera l.)

Social insects are among the most ecologically successful organisms on Earth. This is largely attributed to their ability to effectively perform tasks to maintain homeostasis within their nest. One of these homeostatic mechanisms is maintaining a constant hive temperature.  During the summer months, honeybees regulate their colonies to 36ºC when larvae are present. If hive temperatures surpass 36°C, the developing larvae inside can die. To do this, honeybees perform a thermoregulatory behavior called fanning. My recent work has shown that being in groups is critical to performing fanning behavior.  Furthermore, bees that are prevented from touching fan less often, even when experiencing high temperatures. Here, I present my research exploring the specific cues being exchanged between individuals. This work helps us understand what information is important to maintaining homeostasis, and how that information flows between individuals in a large society.