Do bees have inner lives? Slow-motion video reveals bumblebee behaviour similar to ‘liking’ or ‘disliking’
Researchers have captured slow-motion video of bumblebees exhibiting facial expressions that suggest emotional responses similar to 'liking' or 'disliking' stimuli. This study provides new evidence regarding the potential for sentience in insects.
Why it matters
This research challenges traditional views on insect consciousness and could influence future ethical standards regarding the treatment of invertebrates.
A new study suggests that bees exhibit 'emotion-like' behaviours; when they taste something good, for instance, they stick out their glossa (tongues) afterwards. Photograph: The Bee Lab at Southern Medical University A new study suggests that bees exhibit 'emotion-like' behaviours; when they taste something good, for instance, they stick out their glossa (tongues) afterwards. Photograph: The Bee Lab at Southern Medical University Australian climate and environmental reporting Bees Do bees have inner lives? Slow-motion video reveals bumblebee behaviour similar to ‘liking’ or ‘disliking’ Bees respond to tasty treats or plain water based on context, study that may provide support for establishing insect sentience shows
The article reports on scientific findings from a peer-reviewed journal without injecting subjective opinion.
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