![]() ![]() This might be one reason why despite substantial research efforts-from pure observation via experimental manipulations and theoretical reflections-until now neither the location of the magnetic receptors nor the neuronal mechanisms underlying magnetoreception have been identified in any species and many aspects are controversial (Nordmann et al. Since, from a human perspective, introspection of the magnetic sense is lacking, the magnetic sense is the most difficult to comprehend from a cognitive perspective. Navigation by means of the earth’s magnetic field (or geomagnetic field, GMF) is one of the most impressive behavioral phenomena in the animal kingdom. We argue that the recently described magnetic compass in Cataglyphis opens up a new integrative approach to understand the mechanisms underlying magnetoreception in Hymenoptera on different biological levels. This represents the first example for the use of the GMF in an insect species for a genuine navigational task under natural conditions and with all other navigational cues available. Cataglyphis desert ants use the GMF as a compass cue for path integration during their initial learning walks to align their gaze directions towards the nest entrance. ![]() Both honeybees and desert ants are well-studied experimental models for navigation, and both use the GMF for specific navigational tasks under certain conditions. We focus on experiments aiming to shed light on the role of the GMF for navigation. Here, we review evidence for magnetoreception in Hymenoptera. At the same time, the magnetic sense is one of the least understood senses. The use of information provided by the geomagnetic field (GMF) for navigation is widespread across the animal kingdom.
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