Surface Electric Potentials on Worker Honeybees Leaving and Entering the Hive

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Abstract
Worker honeybees entering and leaving the hive had surface electric potentials that followed a daily rhythm, with a peak at midday or in the early afternoon. Bees entering the hive were normally positively charged, the potential above earth (ground) varying between 0 and +1·5V. Bees leaving the hive had a more uniform potential, normally slightly negative early in the day, becoming slightly positive as the day advanced. The magnitude of all potentials was dependent in part on weather conditions.