The role of learning in modifying behavior through experience is well known for the females of many species of bees, wasps, and ants. Recent experimental investigations of a social species of bee have shown that learning by males is important in the mating behavior of this species, although the generality of these findings is unknown because of lack of comparisons with related species. Mr. Wcislo's doctoral-dissertation research will use behavioral and chemical assays to investigate (1) whether or not chemicals produced by females attract males in two other species in the same family of bees, (2) the role of learning by males in the biology of these species, (3) the details of unusually complex pre- mating behavior in one of these species, and (4) the chemistry of glandular secretions, nest-cell linings, and nest entrances of the other species. Results from this doctoral-dissertation research project will contribute to understanding the evolution of recognition mechanisms.
