Entomology Research Programs

Man holding an open case containing pinned insects.

Suborganismal Biology

Our research in suborganismal biology addresses insect form and function using exciting new technologies such as physiology, molecular genetics, and genomics. We use these technologies in several programs to address the underpinnings of insect and function and gather insights into fundamental questions of arthropod biology and insect control.

Participating Faculty

Fred Gould
Applied and basic evolutionary biology of insects. Genomic basis of pest adaptation to control efforts that use conventional pesticides or genetically engineered crops. Using population genetic modeling and experiments to make predictions about the utility of novel gene-drive strategies for suppressing or altering the characteristics of pest populations.

David Tarpy
Understanding the genetic structure of social insect colonies using PCR-based molecular techniques particularly microsatellites.

Organismal Biology

Understanding the development, behavior, function and the ecology and evolution  of insects is at the core of entomology. Our research programs in organismal biology address emerging questions that provide basic (long-term) and practical (short-term) solutions.

Participating Faculty

Matt Bertone
Arthropod identification, taxonomy, and systematics

Bonnie Blaimer
Diversity, evolution and biogeography of Hymenoptera using genomic and morphological approaches; Species delimitation, taxonomy and systematics of ants; Canopy ant diversity and ecology.

Hannah Burrack
Biology and efficiency of native and stocked blueberry pollinators; Small-scale rearing

Fred Gould
Applied and basic evolutionary biology of insects. Genomic basis of pest adaptation to control efforts that use conventional pesticides or genetically engineered crops. Using population genetic modeling and experiments to make predictions about the utility of novel gene-drive strategies for suppressing or altering the characteristics of pest populations.

David Tarpy
Queen rearing and instrumental insemination. Mating behavior and reproductive success of queen bees. Regulation of pollen foraging. Competition and lethal fighting among virgin honey bee queens.

Population Biology

How do insects adapt to their environment and interact with each other and with other species? What are the dynamics of pest populations within agro-ecosystems? We integrate applied and basic science to enhance our understanding of insects in natural and managed environments.

Participating Faculty

Bonnie Blaimer
Community phylogenomics of ants and other insects.

Hannah Burrack
Host preference and insect performance; Landscape ecology in multi-crop agroecosystems and farmscape approaches to pest management; Microclimate impacts on pest management; Economic threshold development & revision

Fred Gould
Applied and basic evolutionary biology of insects. Genomic basis of pest adaptation to control efforts that use conventional pesticides or genetically engineered crops. Using population genetic modeling and experiments to make predictions about the utility of novel gene-drive strategies for suppressing or altering the characteristics of pest populations.

Steve Frank 
Production practices that reduce pest outbreaks and lead to the more judicious use of pesticides, encouraging natural enemies in a habitat and protecting them from pesticide applications (Conservation Biological Control).  Developing scouting techniques, thresholds, and ways to predict pest outbreaks.   Ecology of interactions between, plants, herbivores, and natural enemies, augmentative biological control strategies. Ultimately, a better understanding of the natural world allows us to protect the environment and benefit from valuable ecosystem services while supporting economically important activities, such as the production and maintenance of ornamental plants.

George Kennedy
Ecology and management of insect pests of agricultural crops; Plant-insect interactions, and ecology of thrips in relation to the epidemiology of tomato spotted wilt virus.

Jules Silverman
Invasive ant-Hemipteran mutualisms; Competition between urban ant species.

David Tarpy
Behavioral ecology and evolution of social insects.