Hi Allen > I have often wondered if, for example, there are messages modulating > (encoded on) seemingly repetitive bird songs or within many other familiar > sounds of 'nature' such as the 'chirp' of a cricket, or the buzz of a bee? There are indeed. Try here for information on the stingless bee's 'beeps' to inform nest-mates of the distance to forage. http://www.americanscientist.org/template/AssetDetail/assetid/15789/page/5;jsessionid=baa9...#26440 (or Google for Melipona and dance) And for an excellent report on the use of sound/vibration in honeybee (that word 'use' will be contentious though!) try this: http://www.beekeeping.com/articles/us/bee_dance_2.htm all the best Gavin ****************************************************** * Full guidelines for BEE-L posting are at: * * http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm * ******************************************************