At the University of Oulu in Finland, the scientists put some bumblebees throughunder various testschallenges to determine whethertest if they have insight, or an ability to understanding of challenges and problems. Turns out, they do!

Chimpanzees have been previously tested for determine whether they have insight using an experiment test with boxes and bananas. This time, however, scientists tested bumblebees using a fake flower, made from a blue dot and sugar to tempt the bees., and a small foam ball. The scientists planned to see if the bees would climb onto a small foam ball to reach the sugar, which would prove they have the ability to think ahead insight.

The study found that the bumblebees were able to get to the ‘flower’ using the foam ball to help. The testing area was 1.3 inches tall, just big enough for the bees to fit but not so large that they could fly still preventing them from flying. The blue dot was placed in different parts of the testing areas, where and the bees would be forced to use the foam ball to help get to the treat. In one instance, for example, the ball was placed on the top of the retesting area. The bees had to push the foam ball under the blue dot and stand on the foam ball to reach the treat.

Ultimately, the study found that the bumblebees were able to get to the ‘flower’ using the foam ball to help. Around 73% of the tested bees could complete the experiments. Even the younger bees who had no experience with any of the tests could complete them. Later in the testing, the bees were able to get to the ‘flower’ even when it was hidden behind walls, proving that the bees didn’t just have good luck, but that they were using insight to complete the tasks.