Parallel processing of olfactory and mechanosensory information in the honeybee antennal lobe

We report that airflow produces a complex activation pattern in the antennal lobes of the honeybee Apis mellifera . Glomerular response maps provide a stereotypical code for the intensity and the dynamics of mechanical stimuli that is superimposed on the olfactory code. We show responses to modulated stimuli suggesting that this combinatorial code could provide information about the intensity, direction, and dynamics of the airflow during flight and waggle dance communication.