Honeybees have an impressive memory for locations, allowing them to find their way back to food sources even after days of bad weather. Research published in PNAS shows that bees remember distances and directions, much like using a mental map, to return to familiar spots. They can also take shortcuts and adjust their routes when needed.
Studies suggest bees use two types of memory: one that follows familiar paths and another that helps them understand the landscape as a whole. At first, they rely on known routes, but over time, they build a bigger picture of their surroundings. This ability helps them navigate efficiently, even when released in unfamiliar places.
Scientists believe bees store multiple bits of navigation information at once, which helps them quickly adapt and find food in changing environments.
The PNAS StudyIn more academic language studies indicate honeybees possess both egocentric (route-based) and allocentric (map-like) spatial memories. The egocentric memory is initially dominant when bees are trained along specific routes. However, they can also develop an allocentric spatial memory, which allows them to navigate based on the broader landscape, facilitating flexible navigation even when released at unfamiliar locations.