Individual differences in decision making in foraging bumble bees: Implications for optimality?

Eusocial insects and division of labor has traditionally presented challenges to optimal foraging theory, and some of these challenges are resolved through modern approaches of personality, both within and between colonies of insects. We present data giving snapshots from a series of studies using lab colonies of the Common Eastern Bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), testing decision making under a series of experimental conditions and choice contexts. We have tested individuals’ sensitivity to risk in multiple paradigms, from foraging alone to foraging in social conditions. Here, we look at each individuals’ response to variance in information and whether they choose stable or variable resources. We also discuss related work testing choice and response to social information in producer-scrounger games. Finally, we present data using a progressive ratio technique from animal learning psychology, essentially testing how much effort bees are willing to expend for a nectar reward. We discuss these case studies in the context of optimal foraging theory, with implications for colony-level performance.