Bees Pay Attention to Social Distancing Against Disease Risk

Bees are not the first animals to practice and observe social distancing. For example, ants avoiding cleaning infected individuals or realizing that they are infected with a fungus, for example, reduce the risk of spreading the infection by moving away from their nests. before had been detected.

In this study, led by a group of scientists from the Center for Biodiversity and Environmental Studies, honey bee colonies against infestations from a harmful mite; between young and old bees increasing social distancing and between nestmates change their interactions proven.

“Honey bees are also social animals”

Bees, like all individuals who can feel as social animals. While living together, they lead a mutual life with responsibilities and interactions. internally and externally in honey bee colonies. two main compartments is found. The outer chamber is occupied by foragers, while the inner chamber is inhabited by nurses, queens and brood bees. Thanks to this separation, the queen, young bees and brood protection from diseases is provided. By comparing colonies with and without infestation, scientistsopposite stila studied the behavior of individuals in the hive. As a result of the examination, it was seen that a behavior that could increase mite infestation was less common in the middle parts of the hive. Researchers generally prefer older foraging bees to the edges of the hive in case of a possible invasion, and young bees to the center. that you are moving told.

One of the researchers, Dr. Alessandro Cini, “This study aims to analyze the changes in the social interactions of honey bees in response to a common parasite and the changes seen in their movements in the hives. first proof We got it” said. Underlining that bees have evolved to fight pathogens and parasites, Dr. Michelina Pusceddu, “The increase in social distance between two groups of bees infected with the same parasite within the colony shows how honey bees are coping with factors that threaten their health.” said. Dr. With this study, Pusceddu demonstrated that the changes in the social structure of bees in the face of any disease threat and their ability to reduce contact between individuals, when necessary, infectious disease risk He stated that they have proven that it enables them to minimize In addition, this behavior of honey bee colonies is used to examine social distance and to understand how effective it is. an ideal model stated that.