National Institute of Biology kindly invites you to attend the lecture:

»Insect communication: vibrations and semiochemicals«,

by dr. Alenka Žunič Kosi,

National Institute of Biology, Department of Entomology

The lecture will take place on Friday, the 10th October 2014, at 14:00 p.m.

in the Lecture Hall B2 of the Biological Centre, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana.

Abstract:

Communication is an essential part of the behavioural repertoire of animals, and mediates all social behaviours, which in turn determine most aspects of reproduction and survival of the species. Focus of our research was substrate-borne communication as an important part of mating behaviour in insects. Substrate-borne signals, defined by their temporal and frequency characteristics, convey sex and species specificity, and enable efficient signal transmission through herbaceous plants. We studied the basic principles of intra-specific communication, as well as environmental impacts on the behavioural patterns, specifically on reception and perception of the information mediated by substrate-borne signals and their production in stink bugs.

Second focus of our research was chemical communication as the oldest and most widespread form of communication occurring in all living organisms. Identification of chemical signals, their structure and biological function is crucial for understanding the evolution of insect behaviour. On the other hand, semiochemicals represent powerful tools for monitoring geographic distribution of insects, species conservation research, for monitoring, and in some cases, controlling economically important pest species.

The lecture will be held in Slovene.

Kindly invited!

Invitation