Researchers found that honeybees can propel themselves across water. The wing undersides get wet and cannot produce lift, but the flight motor keeps moving. The wing motion makes waves behind the bee and pushes it forward, like a simple hydrofoil effect.
Scientists tested individual bees in a shallow bowl with a dark section along the edge. Most bees swam toward the dark part instead of moving randomly. This directional preference is called skototaxis, which means moving toward darker visual cues. The team also found that exposure to thiamethoxam, a common insecticide, made bees move more randomly and take longer routes to the edge.
Difficult words
- propel — to push forward through water or air
- lift — upward force that keeps something in air
- hydrofoil — a shape that makes water push an object forward
- skototaxis — movement toward darker visual cues
- insecticide — a chemical used to kill insects
- exposure — contact with a substance or condition
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen insects near water? What did they do?
- Why might moving toward a dark edge help a bee reach the bowl edge?
- Do you think chemicals like insecticides can change animal behaviour? Why or why not?
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