ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses correlation, removal and replacement, and supplementation, which provide powerful tools in the study of recognition chemistry. Correlational studies have substantial potential as a beginning step in the study of recognition chemistry. Removal and replacement experiments have the advantage of working with naturally occurring concentrations of compounds. Removal and replacement methods have worked particularly well in social insect recognition systems that rely on nesting materials as intermediaries in the transmission of recognition compounds. A unique aspect of studies of the honey bee recognition system is the availability of chemical supplementation studies. Correlational studies establish that compounds or types of compounds vary among individuals in association with discrimination ability. Cuticular hydrocarbons are correlated with colony differences in many wasps, ants, and the honey bee. Differences among honey bee species, subspecies, populations, and colonies have been found in mandibular gland esters, cuticular hydrocarbons and wax components.
