Honey bees exhibit a remarkable behavior often observed as a distinctive “bum wiggle,” which is actually a sophisticated form of communication. This movement, known as the waggle dance, serves as a vital tool for sharing critical information within the hive. This precise dance allows successful foragers to convey detailed messages to their nestmates. The waggle dance is a key example of how these social insects coordinate their efforts for the well-being of the entire colony.
Unveiling the Waggle Dance
The waggle dance is a figure-eight movement performed by a honey bee inside the hive, typically on a vertical honeycomb. This dance is primarily executed by scout bees or successful foragers who have discovered valuable resources. The dance consists of two phases: a straight “waggle” run and a semi-circular return phase.
During the straight run, the bee moves forward, rapidly shaking its abdomen from side to side, often at a rate of 13-15 times per second. After completing the straight waggle run, the bee circles back, forming a figure-eight pattern. This repetition allows other bees to observe and interpret the information.
Decoding the Message
The waggle dance communicates three pieces of information about a resource: direction, distance, and quality. This communication allows the colony to efficiently exploit new findings.
The direction of the resource is indicated by the angle of the straight waggle run relative to the sun’s position. Inside the hive, bees use gravity as a reference. If the waggle run is straight upward on the comb, it signifies the food source is directly in line with the sun. If the source is, for instance, 60 degrees to the left of the sun’s position, the bee will perform the waggle run 60 degrees to the left of the vertical. Bees can adjust this angle as the sun moves across the sky, ensuring accurate communication throughout the day.
Distance is encoded in the duration of the straight waggle run. A longer waggle indicates a greater distance from the hive. For example, a waggle run lasting approximately one second can indicate a food source about one kilometer away. This relationship between duration and distance is remarkably precise, with some research suggesting that bees gauge distance based on the visual flow experienced during flight.
Quality is conveyed through the intensity and repetition of the dance. A more vigorous or prolonged dance signals a more profitable source, such as a higher concentration of nectar or pollen. The dancing bee may also share a sample of the collected nectar or the scent of the flower with observing bees, providing additional clues about the resource’s type and quality.
The Waggle Dance in Action
Successful foragers perform the waggle dance to recruit other bees to newly discovered resources. This collective intelligence is vital for the colony’s survival and productivity. Bees gather around the dancer, observing the movements and sometimes making antennal contact to gather information.
This communication enables the colony to efficiently gather resources like nectar, pollen, and water, which are fundamental for honey production and overall hive health. The waggle dance also plays a role in finding new nest sites during swarming, where scout bees communicate the location and quality of potential new homes to the swarm. The ability of bees to effectively communicate precise locations allows the hive to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maximize foraging efficiency.