Honey bees' sense of smell changes from larval to adult life stages, study finds
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that honey bee larvae lack the sophisticated sense of smell found in adults. Researchers suggest this is an evolutionary trade-off resulting from the intensive care provided by nurse bees.
Why it matters
This research highlights the complex social evolution of eusocial insects and how environmental care influences biological development.
by Diana Yates, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source TrackMate-based quantification of HCR RNA-FISH signals for Elav, Ir25a, and Orco in the honey bee larval head. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2026). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2615678123 Honey bee larvae lack the sophisticated olfactory capabilities of adult honey bees, a new study finds. Scientists point to this temporary loss of function as a side effect of the nurse bees' heroic level of brood care, calling it a consequence of social evolution. The new findings are detailed in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .
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