Abstract
Honeybees, like other insects, accumulate electric charge in flight, and
when their body parts are moved or rubbed together. We report that bees emit
constant and modulated electric fields when flying, landing, walking and
during the waggle dance. The electric fields emitted by dancing bees consist
of low- and high-frequency components. Both components induce passive
antennal movements in stationary bees according to Coulomb's law. Bees learn
both the constant and the modulated electric field components in the context
of appetitive proboscis extension response conditioning. Using this
paradigm, we identify mechanoreceptors in both joints of the antennae as
sensors. Other mechanoreceptors on the bee body are potentially involved but
are less sensitive. Using laser vibrometry, we show that the electrically
charged flagellum is moved by constant and modulated electric fields and
more strongly so if sound and electric fields interact. Recordings from
axons of the Johnston organ document its sensitivity to electric field
stimuli. Our analyses identify electric fields emanating from the surface
charge of bees as stimuli for mechanoreceptors, and as biologically relevant
stimuli, which may play a role in social communication. 
More here:

http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/280/1759/20130528.abstract?si
d=e8058831-57f0-4205-b26d-1031ecb67c62

or here:

http://tinyurl.com/cydkcl8


Kind regards,

Ghislain De Roeck,
Belgium.

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