An analysis of the factors involved in the formation of a cluster of honeybees
Free, J. B. and Butler, Colin Gasking
(1955)
An analysis of the factors involved in the formation of a cluster of honeybees.
Behaviour, 7 (1).
pp. 304-316.
10.1163/156853955X00111
It has been found that the stimuli of scent, vibration, and heat, which are produced by a cluster of bees, can each, provided they are of sufficient magnitude, attract individual bees to join it. 2. Bees can be attracted by sight alone towards actively moving bees. 3. Hungry bees prefer to join a cluster of bees from whom they can obtain food; and well-fed bees are more attractive to individual bees than are hungry bees, even when the individual bees are unable to obtain food from well-fed ones.
| Item Type | Article |
|---|---|
| Open Access | Bronze |
| Date Deposited | 05 Dec 2025 10:02 |
| Last Modified | 19 Dec 2025 14:43 |


