Exposure to Magnetic Fields Changes the Behavioral Pattern in Honeybees under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Overview

Earth's magnetic field (MF) is crucial for navigation in various species, including honeybees. However, the proliferation of alternating magnetic fields from electric infrastructure like transformers and power lines adds a level of anthropogenic electromagnetic pollution. The effects of these fields on living organisms remain largely unexplored.

Findings

• Honeybees were exposed to a 50 Hz magnetic field with inductions of 1 mT and 1.7 mT for time periods of 10 minutes, 1 hour, and 3 hours under controlled laboratory conditions.
• Exposed groups displayed different behavioral patterns compared to the control group, notably including a loss of balance - an abnormal behavior not observed in controls.
• Exposed bees showed a higher frequency of changing behaviors, suggesting an ability to detect and react to electromagnetic stress.

Conclusion

The emergence of different behaviors and specifically the loss of balance are indicative of significant disturbances in honeybees due to exposure to electromagnetic fields. These findings underline the potential health risks associated with environmental electromagnetic pollution.