What does the round dance indicate?

The round dance performed by bees conveys important information about food sources that are located close to the hive. When a forager bee returns to the hive and performs this round dance, it signals to other bees that they should look for food nearby, typically within about 50 meters or so. The dance’s circular motion indicates that the food source is not far, and it usually includes vibrational components and the presence of pheromones to attract fellow workers.

In the context of bee communication, the round dance is distinct from other forms of communication, such as the waggle dance, which indicates food sources that are much farther away. Thus, it is essential for bees to accurately perform the round dance to quickly mobilize their hive mates to nearby resources, ensuring the colony can efficiently gather food. The round dance serves an essential function in the hive's foraging strategy and overall survival.