Field Assistants needed

[Jim Whitfield]

MEMO
TO:       Bee Folks
FROM:  Sydney Cameron
RE:      Field Assistants needed


RESEARCH ASSISTANTS WANTED FOR A STUDY OF TRAIL PHEROMONES AND TRAIL
FOLLOWING BEHAVIOR IN TROPICAL BUMBLE BEES.  Assistance with field research
is needed for a study of the use ground trails constructed and maintained
by the Amazonian bumble bee, Bombus transversalis.  The research will take
place in any of three major countries comprising the Amazon Basin: Ecuador,
Peru or Brasil.  Work will begin as soon as colonies are located (probably
by mid-late May) and continue into August.  The work will involve
observations and video recording of trail-following behavior and
construction and maintenance of walking trails.  Other experiments will be
undertaken to determine whether bees chemically mark the ground trails with
exocrine gland secretions (pheromones), and which behavioral castes are
involved.  Several glands will be dissected and extracted for subsequent
chemical analyses.  Applicants must be willing to work long hours in
difficult conditions (hot, humid).  Experience in collecting behavioral
data and use of video equipment is desirable.  An interest in behavior is
necessary.  This might include interests in social insects, division of
labor, or chemical ecology and communication.  Knowledge of Spanish or
Portuguese is highly desirable.  Undergraduates are encouraged to apply.
Travel, food, and lodging will be covered, and a stipend is also available.
To apply, send a letter of interest, including a summary of your
background, statement of reasons for applying, and the names, addresses and
telephone numbers of three references to my e-mail address:
scameron at comp.uark.edu.  You may also apply by snail-mail to Sydney A.
Cameron, Dept. of Entomology, AGRI 321, University of Arkansas,
Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.  Phone: 501-575-7681.

Sydney Cameron
Department of Entomology
321 Agriculture Bldg.
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701

Ph:  501-575-4795  Ofc
Ph:  501-575-7681  Lab
Fax: 501-575-2452
e-mail: scameron at comp.uark.edu