Self-control in honeybees

Psychon Bull Rev. 2002 Jun;9(2):259-63. doi: 10.3758/bf03196280.

Abstract

Self-control means choosing a large delayed reward over a small immediate reward; impulsiveness is its opposite. The metabolic hypothesis states that the amount of self-control across species correlates negatively with metabolic rate (Tobin & Logue, 1994). Foraging honeybees have high metabolic rates; the metabolic hypothesis would predict little self-control in bees. But foraging bees work for the long-term good of their hive, conditions that seem to require self-control. In three experiments, we gave bees the choice between (1) a sweeter delayed reward and a less sweet immediate reward and (2) a large delayed reward and a small immediate reward. Bees showed much self-control, inconsistent with the metabolic hypothesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Appetitive Behavior / physiology*
  • Bees / physiology*
  • Choice Behavior / physiology
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Motivation
  • Social Behavior