When the society dictates food search – Neural signalling underlying appetitive motivation in honey bees

Abstract

In honey bees, appetitive motivation is primarily driven by the needs of the colony rather than individual needs. The regulation of appetitive behavior is achieved through the coordinated action of neuropeptides, hormones and biogenic amines, which integrate multiple signals to ensure appropriate appetitive responses. Dopamine signalling underpins a food-related wanting system that is sensitive to aversive experiences. The short neuropeptide F (sNPF) enhances appetitive responsiveness, food intake and behavioral and neural responsiveness to food-related odorants. Additionally, it facilitates appetitive learning and memory. On the contrary, tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) inhibit appetitive responses. Physiological changes during the transition to the foraging state lead to distinct patterns of insulin and adipokinetic hormone (AKH) signaling, different from those seen in solitary insects, indicating that social life had significant consequences on the systems controlling appetitive motivation. Overall, studying the neural bases of appetitive behavior in bees reveals unique aspects that arise from their social lifestyle.