Bees and flowers communicate using electrical fields,
researchers discover
Flowers' methods of communicating are at least as
sophisticated as any devised by an advertising agency, according to a new
study, published today in Science Express by researchers from the University of
Bristol. However, for any advert to be
successful, it has to reach, and be perceived by, its target audience. The research shows for the first time that
pollinators such as bumblebees are able to find and distinguish electric
signals given out by flowers.
Flowers often produce bright colours, patterns and enticing
fragrances to attract their pollinators.
Researchers at Bristol's School of Biological Sciences, led by Professor
Daniel Robert, found that flowers also have their equivalent of a neon sign –
patterns of electrical signals that can communicate information to the insect
pollinator. These electrical signals can
work in concert with the flower’s other attractive signals and enhance floral
advertising power.