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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A new study carried out on Bombus terrestris <\/em>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the researchers, these findings suggest that bumble bees may possess taste-related emotional responses similar to those observed in other animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n