$990.00
Path Regularity Mazes are utilized for evaluating learning and memory in bees. These mazes are constructed from vertically oriented cylinders covered with transparent perspex sheets. The maze configurations are created using these cylinders as modules, each featuring three holes positioned midway along its wall.
Bees navigate these mazes by entering a cylinder through one hole and potentially exiting through one of two other holes. One exit hole continues the correct path through the maze, while the other leads to a dead end cylinder. Bees must memorize the sequence of turns throughout the maze.
The last cylinder on the correct path houses a feeder containing sugar water, which bees can consume freely. Once fed, bees are released from this cylinder by temporarily lifting the transparent cover.
MazeEngineers offers custom-built behavioral mazes at no extra costādesigned to fit your exact research needs. Eliminate reproducibility issues from poor sizing or lingering scent cues with precision-engineered, modular, and smart mazes that adapt in real time to animal behavior. Publish new protocols, run adaptive experiments, and push the boundaries of behavioral science.
Features |
Diameter of cylinders: 22.5cm |
Height of cylinders: 25cm |
Diameter of holes in cylinder: 4cm |
Distance of holes from the floor: 12.5cm |
Position of exit hole away from straight direction: 45Ā° |
Position of entrance hole away from exit holes: 135Ā° |
The Path Regularity Maze serves as a research tool to investigate navigational strategies and orientation in honeybees. This paradigm explores maze-learning through four distinct types: constant-turn, zig-zag, irregular, and variable irregular mazes.
While vertebrates like rats have been extensively studied for their use of colors or marks in labyrinth navigation, the application of these methods to honeybees remains less explored. Shaowu, Akiko, and Mandyam (2000) introduced the Path Regularity Maze to determine if honeybees can distinguish between mazes with regular patterns and those without markings across various configurations.
In the Path Regularity Maze setup, cylinders feature entrance and exit holes. Bees flying the correct path enter a cylinder through one hole and exit through one of two possible holes. One exit hole continues the correct route through the maze, while the other leads to a dead end. Following the correct path leads the bee to the final cylinder containing a reward.
The setup comprises a series of vertically-oriented cylinders (diameter: 22.5cm, height: 25cm) utilized as building blocks for maze construction. Each cylinder is equipped with three holes (diameter: 4cm), positioned 12.5cm above the base. The exit holes are angled at 45Āŗ to the right or left relative to each other. Transparent Perspex covers encase all cylinders.
House bees in a controlled glasshouse environment kept at 24Ā°āĀ±5Ā°C during the day and 17Ā°āĀ±3Ā°C at night. Install a beehive within the glasshouse equipped with entry and exit points. Prior to each experiment, select and train 10 bees by reinforcing navigation skills through a designated maze. Record experiments using Noldus Etho VisionĀ® XT for accurate data capture and analysis. Transparent Perspex covers encase all cylinders.
The bee performance is evaluated by group flights into four categories:
C1 denotes the best performance and C4 the worst.
Other measures assessed during each task include:
Mizutani, A., Srinivasan, M.V., & Zhang, S. (2000).Ā Maze Navigation by Honeybees: Learning Path Regularity.Ā Learn Mem, 7(6), 363ā374.
There are no questions yet. Be the first to ask a question about this product.
Monday – Friday
9 AM – 5 PM EST
DISCLAIMER: ConductScience and affiliate products are NOT designed for human consumption, testing, or clinical utilization. They are designed for pre-clinical utilization only. Customers purchasing apparatus for the purposes of scientific research or veterinary care affirm adherence to applicable regulatory bodies for the country in which their research or care is conducted.
