Research interests

We study the behaviour, ecology and evolution of social insects. We are particularly interested in how environmental change and land-use affect the importance of communication and learning for colony functioning and success. We also study species interactions and the mechanistic basis of social behaviours.

Our main objectives are:

  • Understand how land-use and environmental change affect bees and their behaviour
  • Understand how bees and ants integrate multiple sources of information in their decision-making
  • Understand variation among species in the degree of division of labour
  • Elucidate the molecular basis of foraging strategies

Our main model species are the honeybee Apis mellifera, the ant Temnothorax nylanderi and the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula.

Contact:

Dr. Christoph Grüter (c.grueter@bristol.ac.uk)
School of Biological Sciences
University of Bristol
Life Sciences Building
24 Tyndall Avenue
Bristol, BS8 1TQ
United Kingdom

Latest news

  • 7 June 2023: New paper on the diversity of communication in bees, out in PNAS.
  • 24 February 2023: Hot off the press, Dr. Simone Glaser's latest paper in Animal Behaviour.
  • 31 October 2022: We're recruiting! Interested in a PhD project on honeybee ecology, behaviour and health? Find more information here
  • 26 October 2022: Welcome to Mini Graydon, Dan Jones and Luís Arrochela Braga Carvalho who have joined our lab as MRes students!
  • 20 December 2021: Big congratulations to Simone Glaser on her excellent PhD defence! We wish Simone all the best for the future!
  • 29 October 2021: And another PhD opportunity to study the behaviour and ecology of honeybees and stingless bees, including field work in Brazil. Apply here (read instructions for GW4+ DTP NERC).
  • 20 October 2021: Check out our new PhD opportunity to work on honeybee nutrition, behaviour and maternal effects. Deadline: 6th December.