Thermal infrared signatures of the bees as potential biosensors for explosive detection

The analysis of bees as a potential wide area bio sensors for explosive detection was conducted with emphasis on their thermal infrared charactersistcs. The preliminary results obtained by the analysis of fifty thermal infrared images of bees flying above an area in selected time period, indicate new potential for the assessment of the spatial – temporal distribution of bees. Thermal images were collected by Thermovision THV-1000 Agema, in wavelength band 8 – 14 μm, in apiary of the Agricultural faculty University of Zagreb. Obtained results show that is possible to assess spatial – temporal distribution of bees above an area in the selected time period. It was approved that exist thermal contrast between bees and natural environment.