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J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol

Title:		Juggling with volatiles: exposure of perfumes by displaying male orchid bees
Author(s):		Eltz T; Sager A; Lunau K;
Address:		"Department of Neurobiology, Sensory Ecology Group, University of Dusseldorf, Universitatsstr. 1, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany. eltz@uni-duesseldorf.de"
Journal Title:		J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol
Year:		2005
Volume:		20050420
Issue:		7
Page Number:		575 - 581
DOI:		10.1007/s00359-005-0603-2
ISSN/ISBN:		0340-7594 (Print) 0340-7594 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Male orchid bees (Euglossini) pollinate 10% of the neotropical orchid flora while collecting floral scents, which they store and accumulate in hind tibial pouches. The purpose of these fragrances is unclear, as is the context, timing and mechanism of their possible exposure. Here we show for the first time that males expose and relocate their fragrances during courtship display. We present high-speed video analyses revealing an intricate and repetitive leg movement performed by displaying male Euglossa cognata. The behavior involves several morphological structures of hitherto unknown function and suggests transfer of substances from the hind tibia to a contralateral mid-tibial tuft of hairs. Body-side-specific fluorescent dye application and consecutive detection of signals on males after display confirmed this transfer. Deposited on the mid-tibial tufts, the fragrances are ideally placed in order to become ventilated by jugal combs on the wing bases, as previously suggested by Bembe (in Apidologie 35:288-291, 2004). Being clearly distinct from motor patterns involved in fragrance collection, the described movement is continuously performed by displaying males, suggesting an equally continuous exposure of volatiles. Although the findings strengthen, the view that the volatiles serve as attractants in the context of mating behavior, the signal addressee, conspecific males or females, has yet to be found"
Keywords:		"*Animal Communication Animals Bees/*drug effects Flowers/physiology Male Oils, Volatile/*pharmacology Sex Attractants/*pharmacology Sexual Behavior, Animal/*drug effects;"
Notes:		"MedlineEltz, Thomas Sager, Andreas Lunau, Klaus eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Germany 2005/04/21 J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol. 2005 Jul; 191(7):575-81. doi: 10.1007/s00359-005-0603-2. Epub 2005 Apr 20"