It could modulate speed. We should do an experiment. It is harder to estimate altitude when you are high above the ground. It would need large modulations. I haven t explored that.
Some mutants lack visual neurons and are motion-blind.
Collective behaviour is unique, there are lots of ways communicating. Yes, the bee s odometer is visually driven. Energy consumption is not the way they measure distance. Bees travelling a short distance in a narrow tunnel can be fooled into thinking they ve gone a long way. Yes, strength of emotion has a big effect.