Evolutionary biology & chemical ecology

Bachelor- / Master thesis: Unlock the Secrets of Wasp Courtship

22.04.2026, Diplomarbeiten, Bachelor- und Masterarbeiten

Solve a 50-year old Mystery! Why do jewel wasp females say “yes” only when males nod on their antennae with open mouthparts? Join us to uncover the hidden pheromone behind wasp courtship using cutting-edge analytical chemical detection methods and behavioral assays. No chemistry experience needed—just curiosity and precision! Flexible start, thesis/internship options.

Ever wondered how parasitic wasps communicate? In the Nasonia jewel wasp, males perform a unique courtship sequence—but with their mouthparts sealed, females refuse to mate. For decades, scientists have suspected a hidden male pheromone/aphrodisiac is the key to female receptivity. Now, with cutting-edge analytical techniques like solid-phase microextraction on-fiber derivatization and imaging mass spectrometry, we’re closer than ever to solving this 50-year-old mystery.

Your mission:
Help us characterize and identify this elusive chemical signal and test its effect on female behavior. You’ll work at the exciting interface of evolutionary chemical ecology, behavioral biology, and analytical chemistry.

What you’ll do:
Collect and analyze volatile compounds from courting wasps
Conduct behavioral assays to test candidate pheromones
Learn advanced chemical detection methods and data analysis

Who we’re looking for:
Curious, reliable, and precise students
Experience with insects or behavioral experiments is a plus
No chemistry background required—we’ll teach you!
Basic R skills for data analysis are helpful

Flexible start date, adaptable project length.

Kontakt: jan.buellesbach@tum.de

More Information

https://www.lss.ls.tum.de/pii/team/dr-jan-buellesbach/