Larvae influence thermoregulatory fanning behavior in honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

For many animals, maintaining a specific range of temperatures during offspring development is critical for the survival of the young. While this is most studied in birds and mammals, some insects regulate nest temperatures to create an ideal environment for larval development. Here, we explore the thermoregulatory fanning behavior in honeybees performed to maintain colony temperatures in the presence of larvae. We found that honeybees are more likely to fan when larvae are present, but need direct contact with larvae to fan. We found no evidence that exposure to brood pheromone plays a role in stimulating fanning behavior. Finally, we saw a shift in the fanning response seasonally. These results show that the presence of developing offspring influences the fanning response in honeybees and help us to understand how honeybee colonies achieve the fine thermoregulation necessary for healthy larval development.