Changing light and dark cycles affects dopamine levels in honey bee vision centers

Changing the light-dark regimen significantly impacts forager bee behaviour and dopamine levels in their optic lobes.

• Foraging behaviour in bees shows characteristics of a circadian rhythm, aligning closely to a 24-hour cycle.
• Bees adjust their foraging activity predictably in response to changes in light phases.
• Dopamine levels in the optic lobes of bees vary cyclically and are influenced by light/dark cycle alterations.
• The changes in dopamine levels occur on a different time scale compared to behavioural changes.
• No direct correlation was identified between dopamine levels in the optic lobes and the circadian rhythmic activity of honey bees.

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