Tongue microstructure physically constrains division of labor in bumblebee foraging.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41525482.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1073/pnas.2527391123 and PMC identifier 12818393.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Bumblebee (<i>Bombus terrestris</i>) is a primitively eusocial species that sustains its colonies by dividing foraging duties between queens and workers. Previous research emphasizes hormonal, metabolic, and behavioral contrasts between the castes but seldom considers why queens relinquish foraging once workers emerge. Here, we link foraging efficiency to tongue microstructure, providing physical evidence for the shift in bumblebee foraging behavior.
Medical subject headings
- Tongue
- Feeding Behavior