A MODEL OF COLLECTIVE NECTAR SOURCE SELECTION BY HONEY-BEES - SELF-ORGANIZATION THROUGH SIMPLE RULES

The honey bee colony chooses among different nectar sources available in the field, selectively foraging from those which are most profitable. We present a model that describes the colony's decision-making process. The model consists of a system of non-linear differential equations describing the activity of the foraging bees. Parameter estimates are based on previously published data. Numerical solutions of the equations agree closely with experimental observations. Selective exploitation of the most profitable nectar sources occurs through an autocatalytic, self-organizing process. © 1991 Academic Press Limited.