Bumblebees sense flowers' electric fields

[Eugene]

Source: BBC

21 February 2013 Last updated at 19:01

Bumblebees sense flowers' electric fields

By Ben Aviss
Reporter, BBC Nature

Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) can detect flowers' electric fields, scientists have discovered.

Results indicate floral electric fields improve the bees' ability to discriminate between different flowers.

When used with visual signals, electrical cues can enhance the bee's memory of floral rewards.

Researchers suggest this method of signalling provides rapid and dynamic communication between plants and pollinators.

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Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21508035

[CurtEastPoint]

1. I heard this on NPR and was just stunned at how clever nature is.