Asian hive bees, Apis cerana, modulate dance communication in response to nectar toxicity and demand

► Nectar of the thunder god vine is mildly toxic to honeybees. ► The Asian hive bee Apis cerana avoids such nectar when given a choice. ► In the presence of alternative forage, bees adjust their dance behaviour. ► In the absence of forage, bees readjust their recruitment to avoid starvation. ► Our work shows yet another intricate way in which the bees use their waggle dance.