We work on several different aspects of insect biology, ecology, behaviour and pest management, involving laboratory and field studies. In our laboratory, fruit flies of the family Tephritidae are used as model species to address various research questions including:
- life history evolution
- geographic variation in life history traits
- factors shaping life histories in field conditions
- age structure of wild insect populations
- cost of reproduction (mainly that of males)
- aging and health dynamics in insects
- age-specific expression of innate behaviours and their connection with insect performance
- relationships between fruit flies and their host fruits
- sexual behaviour including trade-offs and costs of reproduction
- effects of insect symbionts on life history traits
A further line of research regards the development of Area Wide Management Programs based on spatial population dynamics and population modelling. This also encompasses the development of trapping systems and methodologies for various insect pest species. Read More...
