Numerous experiments have been conducted to test the intelligence of insect brains, yielding surprising results.
Measuring the intelligence of non-human animals is a challenging task. However, many experiments have shown that honeybees, ants, and wasps are intelligent and clever insect species.
Honeybees
Honeybees can perform basic math – (Photo: REUTERS).
According to IFLScience, honeybees can perform basic arithmetic, understand the concept of zero (0), and even recognize odd and even numbers. They also possess remarkable navigation skills, capable of finding the shortest and most efficient routes between flowers.
In addition to their computational abilities, bees have excellent memories, impressive communication skills through dance, and produce honey. Asian honeybees even emit warning sounds when attacked by wasps.
They can also create waves to surf to safety, helping them avoid drowning.
Ants
Florida carpenter ants amputate limbs to increase the survival chances of injured ants – (Photo: Bart Zijlstra).
Ants are renowned for their intelligence, particularly their ability to work together in large colonies.
Although not known for their learning abilities like bees, ants exhibit good practical skills. For example, some ant species cultivate fungi. Some even farm aphids like “livestock,” building shelters for them and protecting them from harsh weather. In return, they harvest honeydew from the aphids.
Scientists have also discovered that ants can use past experiences to make decisions based on the colony’s collective benefit, even altering their priorities.
Ants possess remarkable survival strategies. They are likened to doctors in the insect world, as some ant species can amputate limbs and treat wounds with secretions from their bodies.
Fire ants have even been observed “rafting” or “bridging” to reach safety during floods.
Ants “bridge” to move to their desired locations – (Photo: medium.com).
Wasps
Scientists have noted that the tarantula hawk wasp seeks out and paralyzes tarantula spiders, dragging the spider back to its nest and laying a single egg inside the spider’s corpse.
When the egg hatches, the larva gradually consumes the spider’s body until it matures into an adult wasp. Transforming a corpse into a home and food source is a promising start for the wasp’s life.
