A method for estimating the minimum visual stimulus that evokes a behavioural response in the drone, Apis mellifera male.
Drones, attracted to an observation site by a scented lure, left the lure to fly directly towards a small object suspended nearby. An object the size of a queen bee was detected at distances up to 2 m. It is estimated that at this maximum distance the object will have decreased the light incident on a single rhabdom by 6%.
Vallet
A M
AM
INSERM U176, Bordeaux, France.
Coles
J A
JA
D000818:Animals; D001516:Bees / Q000502:physiology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D008027:Light; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology