Based on available research, it is difficult to definitively state which insect has the best memory overall. However, recent research indicates that wasps demonstrate a remarkable level of social memory.
Wasp Social Memory
According to research conducted in 2008, wasps exhibit impressive social memory capabilities.
- Social Recognition: Wasps can remember each other after being separated for up to a week.
- Unexpected Complexity: This level of social memory was previously thought to be beyond the capabilities of insects due to their relatively small brains.
While other insects are known for different kinds of memory (e.g., bees and their spatial memory for navigating to food sources), the research highlights the impressive social recognition abilities of wasps.
Therefore, while pinpointing the insect with the best memory across all types of memory is challenging, wasps showcase exceptional social memory capabilities.
