What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine the pollination and foraging behaviors of bumblebees, particularly nectar robbing via spur perforation, on native and cultivated columbine flowers.

March 1, 1966American Journal of Botany

Foraging Behavior of Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Relation to Aquilegia Pollination

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Authors

LMLazarus Walter MaciorChinese Academy of Sciences

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Implication

Observational study demonstrates behavioral plasticity and widespread nectar spur perforation by Bombus in Aquilegia flowers, indicating adaptable foraging strategies beyond rigid instinctive cues.

Key Points

To examine the pollination and foraging behaviors of bumblebees, particularly nectar robbing via spur perforation, on native and cultivated columbine flowers.
Observed wild Aquilegia canadensis and 19 cultivated Aquilegia species and varieties using photographic and cinematographic recording.
Quantified nectar spur perforations across 2,173 wild flower spurs at full anthesis and tracked individual marked Bombus workers and queens.
Assessed innate versus learned perforation behavior using newly emerged Bombus affinis workers from a captive colony.
Bombus affinis perforated over 90% of 2,173 wild A. canadensis nectar spurs at full anthesis using mandibular biting following sensory inspection.
Nectar foraging varied with flower geometry and orientation rather than floral color, with workers specializing in a single technique per variety while queens visited up to five flower forms in one flight.
Neonate workers showed that mandibular perforation is likely an innate motor pattern that requires rapid experiential learning to be directed toward nectar-bearing structures.

Cite This Study

Lazarus Walter Macior (1966) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8239a96241a5db003f0e1c https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1537-2197.1966.tb07340.x

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Implication

Observational study demonstrates behavioral plasticity and widespread nectar spur perforation by Bombus in Aquilegia flowers, indicating adaptable foraging strategies beyond rigid instinctive cues.

Foraging Behavior of Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Relation to Aquilegia Pollination

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Foraging Behavior of Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Relation to Aquilegia Pollination

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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