Bees exhibit emotion-like responses previously observed only in mammals, according to a first-of-its-kind study by researchers at Macquarie University in Australia and Southern Medical University in China. The findings suggest insects may possess subjective psychological states rather than operating purely on instinct.
The team, led by Cwyn Solvi, studied buff-tailed bumblebees from 18 colonies. The insects extended their tongues toward sugar solutions and shook their heads in apparent rejection of bitter or salty liquids. When heated to 40 degrees Celsius, the bees altered their reactions, a result researchers say rules out automatic chemical reflexes. Andrew Barron of Macquarie University described the observations as emotion-like behaviours pointing to inner psychological experience.
Fei Peng of Southern Medical University noted that while many people accept insects can perceive their environment, fewer acknowledge they evaluate experiences as pleasant or unpleasant. The research, he suggested, could fundamentally change how humans view insects.