Chemical and Mechanical Signals Trigger Courtship in the Wild Large-Headed Resin Bee Heriades truncorum

Abstract Hymenopteran females are mostly highly selective, choosing their mating partner according to male quality signals, and may also signal fertility through chemical advertisement. Male insects, in turn, often display a complex set of courtship behaviors allure mate. In this study we explored the mechanisms triggering oligolectic bee Heriades truncorum . species, males perform wing fanning followed by sideways rocking motion before copulation. We tested role cues recognition exposing dead washed from cuticular extracts (i.e., sex pheromones) that were posteriorly coated, or not, with an extract unmated females. Additionally, experimentally reduced length test whether was responsible for motions. found interact more coated females, presence these pheromones. important motions, which essential behavior successful possibly element used evaluate quality. Our shows both mechanical signals female bees, respectively, elements system H.