ALARM PHEROMONE PERCEPTION IN HONEY-BEES IS DECREASED BY SMOKE (HYMENOPTERA, APIDAE)

The application of smoke to honey bee (Apis mellifera) antennae reduce d the subsequent electroantennograph response of the antennae to honey bee alarm pheromones, isopentyl acetate, and 2-heptanone. This effect was reversible, and the responsiveness of antennae gradually returned to that of controls within 10-20 min. A similar effect occurred with a floral odor, phenylacetaldehyde, suggesting that smoke interferes wi th olfaction generally, rather than specifically with honey bee alarm pheromones. A reduction in peripheral sensitivity appears to be one co mponent of the mechanism by which smoke reduces nest defense behavior of honey bees.