Yeast volatiles promote larceny in bumble bee behavior

Olfactometer assays confirmed a yeast volatile-mediated response, with nectar scent enhanced with 14 volatile compounds when fermented with yeast for 2 days relative to unfermented nectar. Collectively, our results suggest an important role for yeast odors in mediating exploitative behaviors displayed by mutualist species, acting as a potential reliable cue for resource presence and improving bee foraging efficiency.