Optimal kinematics of the bee tongue for viscous fluid transport

• DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00832g
• Publication Date: 2022-08-29T15:01:46Z
• Authors: Bo Wang; Xuhan Liu; Guowei Tang; Jianing Wu; Yunqiang Yang
• Keywords: Stroke; 0209 industrial biotechnology; Plant Nectar; Tongue; Animals; Feeding Behavior; 02 engineering and technology; Bees; Biomechanical Phenomena

Honey bees can forage nectar from a large spectrum of nectariferous flowers using their rhythmically erectable tongue hairs in viscous dipping fashion that involves faster protraction stroke toward the pool and slower retraction backward. Since honey are capable hairy tongues to adapt various feeding environments, kinematic characteristics bee tongue, especially time, would likely represent evolutionary optimization. However, phenomenon mechanism remain elusive. In this combined experimental theoretical study, we established mathematical model analyze effects time on energy intake rate considering unfolding dynamics phase. The optimal at which reached maximum was governed by dimensions hairs, matched well with vivo tests. This study may not only bridge connection between kinematics geometry but also shed light control strategy for micropumps equipped dynamic surfaces.