Observations on the use of visual and olfactory cues by Trigona spp foragers

Abstract

Foragers of Trigona species were trained to artificial feeders associated with either yellow or blue colors, and the bees learned to associate the visual cues with a food reward. While feeding, foragers marked the plastic dishes with odors, which were later recognized by their nestmates. Odors left by foragers from different colonies of a single species elicited a positive response, while odors left by foragers of a different species elicited no noticeable response.