Chemical Ecology
Chemical ecology is the study of the structure, origin and function of naturally occurring chemicals that mediate intraspecific or interspecific interactions. These chemicals are known as semiochemicals.
Depending on the function of a semiochemicals, this group of chemicals can be further divided into three classes: pheromones, kairomones and allomones.
At the heart of the discipline are modern analytical instrumentation, careful observational biology and good bioassay design.
The chemical ecology group at Keele University investigates a range of different semiochemicals in two group of insects; social insects (ants & bees) and necrophagous insects (blow flies).
For a more detailed description of the different research topics, please select research from the menu or select a member of the chemical ecology group.