RESEARCH home

So far, three research projects are linked to b-lab.

How to find a flower... This project is coordinated by Michael Hrncir (University of São Paulo, Brazil) and investigates the sensory mechanisms in stingless bees related to their "simple" task to find a flower.

Chemical Communication in Stingless Bees. This project is coordinated by Stefan Jarau (University of Ulm, Germany) and investigates chemical signals involved in the recruitment of nestmates to a food source as well as the role of queen signals for the social organization of stingless bee colonies.

Recruitment Communication in Stingless Bees. This project is coordinated by Friedrich G. Barth (University of Vienna, Austria) and investigates mechanisms underlying the recruitment of nestmates to food sources, involving both chemical signals (scent trails) and mechanical signals (thorax vibrations).

 

Get here an exclusive VIDEO of a stingless bee, Melipona scutellaris, collecting sugar solution and delivering it to hive-mates within the nest (video with sound)

Download Video
13.3 MB
1.9 MB

    
 
Download Video
2.4 MB
   Get here an exclusive VIDEO of a stingless bee, Melipona seminigra, generating thoracic vibrations when tethered with a sling around the neck (video with sound)
   

 

b-lab weather station. The weather station (Oregon Scientific, WMR982) at the Department of Biology, FFCLRP, University of São Paulo - Ribeirão Preto is online since 01/03/2009. Data on ambient temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, rainfall, and wind (speed and direction) are updated every five minutes.
The position of the weather station is: Latitude: 21° 9' 48" South; Longitude: 41° 51' 38" West; Altitude: 580m above Sea Level.
Data between 15/07/2008 and 28/02/2009 as well as data recorded during the frequent internet-breakdowns are available on request.