Special micro-techniques have been devised for the identification and accurate quantification of the substances in a single gland of a single individual. Specific cuticular hydrocarbons are being synthesized and supplied to partners of the network for recognition studies. The group assumes the role of conceptual task-leader for all chemical work in the network. Collaborations with other teams in the network are in progress on behavioural and evolutionary studies , to answer specific questions of individual recognition in ants, bees and wasps. The determination of composition of secretions and provision of synthetic mixtures for behavioural tests is part of its duties.
Work is in progress on the identification of exocrine secretions of a number of hymenopteran types.
N.J. Oldham, E.D. Morgan, B. Gobin and J. Billen, 1994. W.A. K nig, E.D. Morgan, E.D. Scott and R. Wehner, 1996. Chemoecology 7, 57-60. L.C. Cruz Lopez and E.D. Morgan, 1997. J. Billen and E. D. Morgan.