Data and code for: Spontaneous problem-solving in bumblebees

Problem-solving using novel solutions without explicit training is often
considered a hallmark of cognitive flexibility. We investigated whether
bumble bees (Bombus terrestris) could solve a novel object manipulation
task spontaneously. Bees trained to associate a blue ring
('flower'), on the floor with a reward successfully moved a ball
underneath a flower relocated to the ceiling, in order to reach the
flower. In control experiments, where the flower was out of sight when
ball movement began and remained hidden during transport, bees still
succeeded in the task. These results suggest that these were goal-directed
actions rather than reinforcement-based associations driven by perceptual
feedback. Our findings provide evidence that bumble bees can exhibit
spontaneous problem-solving, challenging the notion that such advanced
cognitive abilities are exclusive to large-brained vertebrates.