Research
Research
The newly established Department of Forest Entomology studies the ecology and evolution of forest-dwelling insects, focusing on species with ecological and economic impacts. We are particularly interested in insect interactions with their biotic and abiotic environment. We study insect responses to temperature, photoperiod and other factors, in order to understand seasonal adaptations (e.g., dormancy, diapause) and strategies to cope with extreme conditions (e.g., responses to heat or cold). We aim to understand how abiotic environmental conditions affect the performance and distribution of insects, and how this knowledge might be leveraged for sustainable forest management strategies in a changing climate.
We also study associations of insects with players of different trophic levels. Particularly, we are interested in symbiotic interactions among insects, fungi, and bacteria but also with other organisms, and how the different players affect each other’s performance. This information will help to understand how such symbioses impact the health of forest trees.
We use molecular tools to infer the regulatory mechanisms of insect adaptations to their biotic and abiotic environment and to understand their evolutionary trajectories. We apply molecular approaches to study the genetic structure of various species and use these tools to unravel biodiversity patterns, aiming to sustain forest ecosystem services by considering environmentally-friendly approaches and protecting nature.
We also study associations of insects with players of different trophic levels. Particularly, we are interested in symbiotic interactions among insects, fungi, and bacteria but also with other organisms, and how the different players affect each other’s performance. This information will help to understand how such symbioses impact the health of forest trees.
We use molecular tools to infer the regulatory mechanisms of insect adaptations to their biotic and abiotic environment and to understand their evolutionary trajectories. We apply molecular approaches to study the genetic structure of various species and use these tools to unravel biodiversity patterns, aiming to sustain forest ecosystem services by considering environmentally-friendly approaches and protecting nature.