Nestmate Recognition in Honey Bees: Collaborative Research on Behavioral, Chemical and Genetic Aspects

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Kin recognition is a fundamental mechanism in animal behavior. Many animal species, including humans, are able to discriminate between close relatives and other individuals of the same species, and to behave preferentially to close relatives. Often, the signals used by animals to make these discriminations are odors, but only in the honey bee have specific chemical compounds been identified that enable animals to tell relatives from non- relatives. This project will provide new information on how these odors are used by honey bees, will identify additional such odors, and will enhance our understanding of how the production of odors is inherited. In a practical sense, the project will suggest new ways to manipulate honey bee colonies so that beekeeping practices may be improved. The results may prove to be particularly important in suggesting ways of preventing the African honey bee from disrupting beekeeping operations.