Bees Actually Can Count, New Study Suggests

A new analysis modeling honeybee vision finds earlier number-choice results still hold up, suggesting bees can truly discriminate quantities.

The findings counter the idea that the insects were merely following visual cues or pattern-matching.

Researchers say the work strengthens evidence for basic numerical cognition in honeybees (Apis mellifera).

The study also highlights a broader lesson for animal intelligence research: experiments must reflect how the species actually sees the world.