Insect Behavior Ch.37-2

Communication Pheromones – Chemical signals released by an animal that can effect the behavior or development of other individuals. Uses include: marking a path, identifying a honeybee hive, attracting a mate, or telling others to attack.

Ants Lay pheromone trail – chemicals produced by ant Ant whisperer PBS

Other forms of Communication Sound Crickets will rub their forewings against each other to attract a mate. Female mosquitoes “buzz” to attract a mate. cricket chirping summer night sounds

Other forms of Communication Light Fireflies flash light. Each species has its own pattern Firefly patterns fireflies in sync fire fly and car

Social Insects Live in colonies. Division of labor. Only some reproduce. Examples: ants, bees, wasps, and termites.

Honeybees Three types of individuals Worker Bees: females Queen Bee large fertile female Drones: males

Worker Bees - Sterile females Have a stinger instead of an ovipositor Gather nectar and pollen Turn nectar into honey with enzymes in their saliva Will sting only when hive is threatened. Stinger will pull out and they will die

Queen bee A female that is fed Royal jelly as a larvae She will secrete “queen factor” to keep other queens from developing. Will go on a maiden voyage, mate with several drones and lay then eggs her entire life Entire hive will follow (swarm) queen if she leaves

Drones: -males that develop from unfertilized eggs. -Only a few will get to mate with queen on her maiden voyage -They have no other function in a hive. -During harsh winters, drones may get pushed out of hive

Honeybees silence of the Bees – PBS

Killer bees = African bees Bred to make more honey. Got aggressive . Don’t make more honey, just Steal honey. killer bees, close up stinger

Dance of the bees This dance is done to show other bees where to find food. Video

Insect wars National Geographic insect wars ants vs. termites insect wars queen steals slaves hornets vs. honey bees