Influence of RFID tags on Melipona quadrifasciata behavior: effects on locomotion and food choice

The use of technology as a tool for evaluating insect behavior provides significant advantages to researchers, as it increases the amount of collected data, reduces observer bias, and minimizes the time and effort required for direct field observations. However, when incorporating technology into re...

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Vydáno v:Behavioural processes Ročník 234; s. 105310
Hlavní autoři: da Silva Castor, Rebeca Emanuelle, Tadei, Rafaela, de Souza, Paulo, da Silva, Elaine Cristina Mathias, Toppa, Rogério Hartung
Médium: Journal Article
Jazyk:angličtina
Vydáno: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.01.2026
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ISSN:0376-6357, 1872-8308, 1872-8308
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Shrnutí:The use of technology as a tool for evaluating insect behavior provides significant advantages to researchers, as it increases the amount of collected data, reduces observer bias, and minimizes the time and effort required for direct field observations. However, when incorporating technology into research methodologies, it is crucial to ensure that the tool does not alter the natural behavior of the studied individuals. In recent years, the use of radiofrequency electronic identification (RFID) to monitor bees has increased significantly. Yet, little is known about its potential effects on bee behavior, mainly in stingless bees. To assess the influence of electronic tags, we evaluated locomotion parameters and foraging choices by comparing feeders with and without the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid in the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata under laboratory conditions using video tracking. Whereas the presence of electronic tags did not affect the food choice as measured by the frequency of bee visits to contaminated versus uncontaminated food sources, it did influence locomotion. Tagged bees exhibited reduced average speed, lower rotation frequency, shorter distances traveled, and altered arena exploration patterns. These behavioral modifications observed in laboratory conditions highlight important considerations for applying RFID technology in field studies monitoring bee behavior. •RFID tags did not alter food choice in Melipona quadrifasciata in lab tests.•RFID tags reduced average speed, distance moved and rotation frequency.•Tagged bees showed altered arena exploration patterns compared to untagged bees.
Bibliografie:ObjectType-Article-1
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ISSN:0376-6357
1872-8308
1872-8308
DOI:10.1016/j.beproc.2025.105310