The bee's map of the e-vector pattern in the sky

Abstract

Bees can use the pattern of polarized light in the sky as a compass cue even if they can see only a small part of the whole pattern. The bees rely on a generalized celestial map that is used invariably throughout the day. This map is reconstructed by analyzing the navigation errors made by bees to which single e-vectors are displayed. How the bee''s celestial map can be derived from the e-vector patterns in the sky is demonstrated.