Presentation Details
| Sub-communities increase the social efficiency of collective fanning in the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) Casey E.Lambert, Jordan Dubeck, Zachary P.Nelson, Chelsea N.Cook. Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
Abstract
Collective behavior increases a species’ ability to respond to and buffer against a changing environment. In social groups, communication is critical, as information transfer enables rapid, coordinated actions that exceed individual ability. In the European honeybee (Apis mellifera), interaction is essential for coordinating tasks, particularly thermoregulatory fanning. Collective fanning maintains a stable internal colony temperature necessary for brood development. To understand how the social environment impacts fanning outcomes, we analyzed interaction dynamics under increasing temperatures across varying group sizes. Using social network analysis, we determined that network structure changes with group size. As community size increases, honeybees are more likely to split into smaller sub-communities. Additionally, dividing into sub-communities greatly increases the efficiency of information transfer and behavior coordination. This research underscores the importance of social structure in shaping collective behavior and provides insight into how eusocial insects use dynamic behavioral strategies in responding to environmental change.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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