Bumble bees display some orofacial reactions to tastes that reflect affective evaluation. These behaviours are more than simple feeding reflexes or expressions of motivation; they are quite analogous to the reactions of mammals when tasting something that is good or not good for them.

A new study carried out on Bombus terrestris and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that bumble bees display two specific behaviours when they taste something sweet or bitter.

If they eat something sweet, such as sugar syrup, they extend their tongues after consumption. If they eat something bitter or salty, they shake their heads instead.

According to the researchers, these findings suggest that bumble bees may possess taste-related emotional responses similar to those observed in other animals.

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