scholarly journals Do small swarms have an advantage when house hunting? The effect of swarm size on nest-site selection by Apis mellifera

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (87) ◽  
pp. 20130533 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. Schaerf ◽  
J. C. Makinson ◽  
M. R. Myerscough ◽  
M. Beekman
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Site Choice ◽  
Realistic Problem ◽  
Swarm Size

Reproductive swarms of honeybees are faced with the problem of finding a good site to establish a new colony. We examined the potential effects of swarm size on the quality of nest-site choice through a combination of modelling and field experiments. We used an individual-based model to examine the effects of swarm size on decision accuracy under the assumption that the number of bees actively involved in the decision-making process (scouts) is an increasing function of swarm size. We found that the ability of a swarm to choose the best of two nest sites decreases as swarm size increases when there is some time-lag between discovering the sites, consistent with Janson & Beekman (Janson & Beekman 2007 Proceedings of European Conference on Complex Systems , pp. 204–211.). However, when simulated swarms were faced with a realistic problem of choosing between many nest sites discoverable at all times, larger swarms were more accurate in their decisions than smaller swarms owing to their ability to discover nest sites more rapidly. Our experimental fieldwork showed that large swarms invest a larger number of scouts into the decision-making process than smaller swarms. Preliminary analysis of waggle dances from experimental swarms also suggested that large swarms could indeed discover and advertise nest sites at a faster rate than small swarms.

scholarly journals Variability in individual assessment behaviour and its implications for collective decision-making

2017 ◽  
Vol 284 (1848) ◽  
pp. 20162237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. O'Shea-Wheller ◽  
Naoki Masuda ◽  
Ana B. Sendova-Franks ◽  
Nigel R. Franks
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Collective Decision ◽  
Collective Decision Making ◽  
Decentralized System ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Choice ◽  
Nest Quality

Self-organized systems of collective behaviour have been demonstrated in a number of group-living organisms. There is, however, less research relating to how variation in individual assessments may facilitate group decision-making. Here, we investigate this using the decentralized system of collective nest choice behaviour employed by the ant Temnothorax albipennis, combining experimental results with computational modelling. In experiments, isolated workers of this species were allowed to investigate new nest sites of differing quality, and it was found that for any given nest quality, there was wide variation among individuals in the durations that they spent within each nest site. Additionally, individual workers were consistent in spending more time in nest sites of higher quality, and less time in those of lower quality. Hence, the time spent in a new nest site must have included an assessment of nest quality. As nest site visit durations (henceforth termed assessment durations) are linked to recruitment, it is possible that the variability we observed may influence the collective decision-making process of colonies. Thus, we explored this further using a computational model of nest site selection, and found that heterogeneous nest assessments conferred a number of potential benefits. Furthermore, our experiments showed that nest quality assessments were flexible, being influenced by experience of prior options. Our findings help to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying group behaviour, and highlight the importance of heterogeneity among individuals, rather than precise calibration, in shaping collective decision-making.

scholarly journals Different bees, different needs: how nest-site requirements have shaped the decision-making processes in homeless honeybees ( Apis spp.)

2018 ◽  
Vol 373 (1746) ◽  
pp. 20170010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine Beekman ◽  
Benjamin P. Oldroyd
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Movement Ecology ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Apis Florea ◽  
Collective Movement ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Species Specific

During reproductive swarming, a honeybee swarm needs to decide on a new nest site and then move to the chosen site collectively. Most studies of swarming and nest-site selection are based on one species, Apis mellifera . Natural colonies of A. mellifera live in tree cavities. The quality of the cavity is critical to the survival of a swarm. Other honeybee species nest in the open, and have less strict nest-site requirements, such as the open-nesting dwarf honeybee Apis florea . Apis florea builds a nest comprised of a single comb suspended from a twig. For a cavity-nesting species, there is only a limited number of potential nest sites that can be located by a swarm, because suitable sites are scarce. By contrast, for an open-nesting species, there is an abundance of equally suitable twigs. While the decision-making process of cavity-nesting bees is geared towards selecting the best site possible, open-nesting species need to coordinate collective movement towards areas with potential nest sites. Here, we argue that the nest-site selection processes of A. florea and A. mellifera have been shaped by each species' specific nest-site requirements. Both species use the same behavioural algorithm, tuned to allow each species to solve their species-specific problem. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Collective movement ecology’.

Social context alters retreat- and nest-site selection in a globally invasive gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus

2019 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 388-397
Author(s):  
Benjamin J Muller ◽  
Robin M Andrews ◽  
Lin Schwarzkopf ◽  
David A Pike
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Gravid Female ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Invasion Success ◽  
Ceramic Tiles ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Gravid Females ◽  
Hemidactylus Frenatus

Abstract Microhabitat orientation and structure and the presence of conspecifics may strongly influence the choice of habitat. We studied how these variables influence retreat- and nest-site selection in gravid females of a globally successful invasive species, the Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus). When provided with various substrates (vertical and horizontal ceramic tiles, vertical and horizontal plywood tiles, horizontal bark over leaf litter, vertical bark over a log, and sand) gravid female geckos preferred to retreat to, and nest in, materials with crevices commonly found in urban habitats. When housed alone, gravid females most frequently retreated to vertical ceramic tile or wooden crevices, and 66.7% nested in vertical ceramic tiles. When housed with two other conspecifics, gravid females most frequently retreated to vertical ceramic tiles, but selected a wider range of nest sites. Overall, gravid geckos housed alone typically nested in the same substrates that they used as diurnal retreats; when housed in groups, however, females oviposited in locations different from those they selected as retreats. Thus, H. frenatus females use a wider range of substrates when conspecifics are present. Invasion success in this species might be driven, in part, by preferences for retreat and nest substrates that are common in human-dominated habitats.

Nest-site selection in the barn swallow, Hirundo rustica: What predicts seasonal reproductive success?

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (11) ◽  
pp. 1533-1539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Jo Safran
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Hirundo Rustica ◽  
Barn Swallow ◽  
Nest Location ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Site Characteristics

Despite hundreds of studies, we know very little about the causes and fitness-related consequences of nest-site selection. For example, it is not typically known whether the rarely reported fitness consequences of site selection are the result of nest, individual, or nest-site variables or combinations of these factors. Reuse of previously constructed nest sites is a prevalent behavior in many animals and offers the opportunity to experimentally tease apart whether seasonal reproductive success is a function of nest, individual, or nest-site characteristics. I used observational and experimental data to test three hypotheses related to these factors in association with barn swallow ( Hirundo rustica L., 1758) nest reuse. While both nest and individual characteristics explain variation in seasonal reproductive success, nest location per se is not an important factor defining the outcome of nest-site selection. Whereas traits related to habitat and individual characteristics are likely confounded in correlational studies, my experiments demonstrate a causal relationship between seasonal reproductive success and aspects of the nest and individual, the latter explaining more variation in the model than nest characteristics. Knowledge of the relative roles of individual, nest, and nest-site attributes are important for understanding the causes and consequences of habitat selection behavior.

Consumer empowerment in insurance

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1073-1097 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Buehler ◽  
Peter Maas
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Time Lag ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Consumer Empowerment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Performance ◽  
Performance Risk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of consumer empowerment in the relationship between consumers and service providers. It draws on self-efficacy theory to conceptualize consumer empowerment and explain the impact on perceived performance risk in insurance decision making. Design/methodology/approach This study employs data collected from an online survey involving 487 consumers in Switzerland, who recently decided on an insurance service. A structural equation model quantifies both the psychological effects on consumers’ perception of insurance services and behavioral effects on their decision-making process. Findings Perceived consumer empowerment is conceptualized by perceived self-efficacy and perceived controllability. Both have a significant impact on perceived performance risk, while the former is partially mediated by the preference to delegate the decision to a surrogate. Moreover, customers’ involvement in the purchase process moderates both the direct and indirect effect of perceived self-efficacy on perceived performance risk. Research limitations/implications The results are based on consumers’ perceptions from a single country. Furthermore, consumers’ perceptions were surveyed with a time lag after the decision-making process. To increase rigor, perceptions should be collected during decision making. Practical implications Results show that consumer empowerment can be employed as a risk reduction strategy. Consumers with self-efficacy and controllability beliefs perceive significantly less performance risk; however, practitioners should consider that consumers are also motivated to make decisions independently rather than delegating their decisions. Furthermore, consumer empowerment depends on consumer will. For largely indifferent consumers, empowerment does not affect risk or decision delegation preference. Originality/value The study is among the few empirical works to examine the effects of consumer empowerment on the consumer-service provider relationship on an individual level. Furthermore, applying consumer empowerment in relationship marketing implies a shift in research focus to the question of how consumers construe decision-making situations rather than objectively measuring the state of consumer relationship.

scholarly journals Nest Predators, Nest-Site Selection, and Nesting Success of the Dusky Flycatcher in a Managed Ponderosa Pine Forest

The Condor ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 507-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph R. Liebezeit ◽  
T. Luke George
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Potential Prey ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Dusky Flycatcher ◽  
Shrub Patches ◽  
Empidonax Oberholseri ◽  
Nest Predators

AbstractAmong hypotheses explaining nest-site selection, the potential-prey-site hypothesis predicts that birds place nests in areas with many potential nest sites, while the nest-concealment hypothesis predicts nest placement in sites with greater surrounding vegetation. We examined these hypotheses by comparing habitat attributes between Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) nest sites and random sites, successful and unsuccessful nests, and nests depredated by birds versus mammals. Nesting success was 28% (n = 167), and predation was the most important cause of nest failure (96%) during the study (1998–2000) at our site in northeastern California. We identified 28 nest predators using surveillance cameras. Sciurid mammals were the most common predators (17 of 28, 61%), with Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii; 25%), small owls (11%), and Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri; 3%) accounting for the rest. Raptors preyed on nestlings more frequently than on eggs, while small mammals depredated nestlings and eggs in proportion to their availability. Dusky Flycatchers nested in larger shrub patches with greater shrub cover than at random sites, supporting the potential-prey-site hypothesis. Successful nests were in larger shrub patches surrounded by fewer seedlings and saplings compared to depredated nests, providing equivocal support for the potential-prey-site hypothesis. Nests depredated by birds were less concealed, located in smaller shrub patches, surrounded by fewer seedlings and saplings, and were closer to the shrub edge than nests depredated by mammals. Our results, strengthened by identification of nest predators, suggest that differences in search strategies among predators may constrain the ability of Dusky Flycatchers to optimize nest-site selection.Depredadores de Nidos, Selección de Sitios de Anidación y Éxito de Anidación de Empidonax oberholseri en un Bosque Manejado de Pino PonderosaResumen. Entre las hipótesis que explican la selección de sitios de anidación, la de “presa potencial” predice que las aves ubican sus nidos en lugares con muchos sitios de anidación, mientras que la de “ocultación del nido” predice la ubicación de nidos en sitios con mayor vegetación circundante. Nosotros examinamos estas hipótesis comparando características del hábitat entre sitios de anidación del mosquerito Empidonax oberholseri y sitios aleatorios, entre nidos exitosos y no exitosos, y entre nidos depredados por aves y por mamíferos. Entre 1998 y 2000 en un área del noreste de California, el éxito de anidación fue del 28% (n = 167) y la depredación fue la causa más importante del fracaso de los nidos (96%). Identificamos 28 depredadores de nidos utilizando cámaras. Los mamíferos sciúridos fueron los depredadores más comunes (17 de 28, 61%), mientras que los demás nidos fueron depredados por Accipter cooperii (25%), búhos pequeños (11%) y Cyanocitta stelleri (3%). Las aves rapaces se alimentaron con mayor frecuencia de pichones que de huevos, mientras que los mamíferos pequeños depredaron pichones y huevos en proporción a su disponibilidad. Los mosqueritos anidaron en parches con mayor cobertura de arbustos que sitios aleatorios, lo cual apoya la hipótesis de presa potencial. Los nidos exitosos se ubicaron en parches de arbustos más grandes rodeados por menos plántulas y renovales en comparación con los nidos depredados, lo que apoya equívocamente la hipótesis de presa potencial. Los nidos depredados por aves estuvieron menos ocultos, ubicados en parches de arbustos más pequeños, rodeados por menos plántulas y renovales, y estuvieron más cerca del borde del matorral que los nidos depredados por mamíferos. Nuestros resultados, fortalecidos por la identificación de los depredadores, sugieren que las diferencias en las estrategias de búsqueda entre depredadores pueden limitar la habilidad de los mosqueritos para optimizar la selección de sitios de anidación.

scholarly journals Nest Site Selection and Productivity of Suburban Red-Shouldered Hawks in Southern Ohio

The Condor ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 401-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl R. Dykstra ◽  
Jeffrey L. Hays ◽  
F. Bernard Daniel ◽  
Melinda M. Simon
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Canopy Height ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
South Central ◽  
Rural Sites ◽  
Reproductive Rates

Abstract We measured nest site selection and productivity of suburban-nesting Red-shouldered Hawks (Buteo lineatus) in southwestern Ohio and rural-nesting Red-shouldered Hawks in south-central Ohio. At both the suburban and the rural locations, nest sites had greater canopy height and overall tree basal area than paired random plots, and were located closer to water than were paired random plots. Nest trees also had greater diameter and height than random plot-center trees. Reproductive rates at suburban and rural sites were similar, averaging 2.6–3.1 nestlings per successful nest. Results indicated that suburban-nesting Red-shouldered Hawks were very similar to rural-nesting hawks in both nest site selection and productivity, suggesting that Red-shouldered Hawks were habituated to their suburban environs.

Pasture-scale vegetation predicts Dickcissel nest-site selection and success in native and exotic grass pastures

The Condor ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian P Monroe ◽  
L Wes Burger ◽  
James A Martin
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Schizachyrium Scoparium ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Exotic Grasses ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Exotic Grass ◽  
Tall Structure

Abstract Exotic grasses such as bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) are widely established across the southeastern United States as livestock forage, but their structure and management can limit avian reproductive success. Native warm-season grasses (NWSG) are promoted as sustainable forage alternatives. To examine nesting suitability for tall structure specialists such as Dickcissels (Spiza americana) we established an operational-scale study in northeastern Mississippi, USA, with 4 treatments along a gradient of beef production intensity. Treatments included grazed exotic forages, 2 grazed NWSG treatments including Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) monoculture and NWSG polyculture of Indiangrass, little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and an ungrazed NWSG polyculture treatment. We monitored 208 Dickcissel nests in 2011 and 2012 to evaluate effects of treatment, vegetation structure, fire ants (Solenopsis spp.), and arthropod prey biomass on nest-site selection and nest survival. Survival rates varied among treatments and increased with pasture-scale visual obstruction reading (VOR), being lowest among grazed exotic grass, intermediate in grazed NWSG, and highest in ungrazed NWSG. Although Dickcissels selected nest sites with greater VOR, we found little support for effects of nest-site vegetation on survival. However, nest survival was lower for nests in shrubs that also occurred in pastures with greater shrub cover, and selection for shrubs declined as pasture-scale VOR increased, suggesting a functional response in selection. We found little support for food availability influencing nest survival. These results suggest NWSG pastures increase Dickcissel nest success through greater pasture-scale VOR by reducing Dickcissel selection of shrubs for nest sites, and possibly by reducing predator efficiency. Incorporating NWSG into beef production systems while maintaining availability of tall vegetation could benefit Dickcissels and other tall structure specialists.

Marbled salamanders (Ambystoma opacum) choose low elevation nest sites when cover availability is controlled

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Scott ◽  
Dean Croshaw
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Reproductive Behavior ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Selective Forces

AbstractNest site selection is an important part of adult reproductive behavior because growth and survival of young are often affected by the local environment. In terrestrially nesting marbled salamanders, nest elevation is likely important to reproductive success because it is directly related to the time of hatching. We tested the hypothesis that females choose nest sites based on elevation and its correlates by controlling the availability of nesting cover, a potentially important factor in nest site selection which often covaries with elevation. Breeding adults were confined to field enclosures in which natural nesting cover had been removed and replaced with equal proportions of artificial cover in each of three elevation zones. In four enclosures that spanned from lowest to highest areas of a wetland breeding site, females used artificial nesting cover most frequently at low elevations. These results contrast with other studies in which intermediate elevations had highest nest densities, but are consistent with a conceptual model in which opposing selective forces result in locally adapted nest site selection.

Characteristics of trees used as nest sites byApis dorsata(Hymenoptera, Apidae) in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 559-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumin George Thomas ◽  
Anita Varghese ◽  
Pratim Roy ◽  
Nicola Bradbear ◽  
Simon G. Potts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nest Site ◽  
Apis Cerana ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Apis Dorsata ◽  
Nesting Biology ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Social Bees ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Nest site selection is critical for social insects since poor choices can heighten predation risks and result in reproductive failure (Frankset al. 2002). Social bees vary in their nest site requirements and among theApisbees in South Asia,Apis dorsataandA. floreanest in open combs, whereasApis cerananests in cavities (Crane 1999).Apis dorsataoften nests in aggregations, and the large open nests can be about 1.5 m wide and are located in sites such as cliff faces or on the underside of branches of tall trees that are inaccessible to most predators except skilled fliers and climbers (Crane 1999, Seeleyet al. 1982).Apis dorsata, which is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia, is an important source of honey and wax for local communities, and understanding its nesting biology would help in the management and conservation of this economically important species.

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