Collaborative Research: Nestmate Recognition in Honey Bees

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Animals, in general, do not behave in the same way toward all the members of their species. Sex, age, and reproductive status are all examples of well-known factors that might change how members of the same species interact. Less well known, and more recently discovered, is the fact that genetic relationship can also affect interactions. In this collaborative research project, Dr. Michael D. Breed, of the University of Colorado, and Dr. Robert E. Page, Jr., of the University of California at Davis, will conduct experiments to determine how genetic relationship affects social interactions among honey bees. Drs. Breed and Page will try to identify the chemicals used by bees to recognize genetic relationship. They also will investigate exactly how this information is used in social interactions. This research is important because the details of how genetic relationship affects social interaction are not well understood in any species. Thus, the findings may help to generate new, broadly generalizable, understanding of how animals behave. This work on honey bees may also help in improving management techniques for the economically important apiculture industry.