Insect Evolutionary Ecology

A migratory pollinator: the pied hoverfly (Scaeva pyrastri) refuels on its journey south through the Pyrenees

Karl Wotton and PhD student Richard Massy investigating insect migration through a high mountain pass in the Pyrenees

This research theme focuses on understanding how both micro- and macro-evolutionary processes shapes the lives of insects.

Many topics studied encompass how insects adapt to changes in their environment, including:

• the evolution of resistance to natural and synthetic insecticides
• the genetic basis of migration
• behavioural plasticity in the context of parental care and sexual selection
• sexual selection and sexual conflict in insect adaptation
• the evolution of insect eusociality
• macroevolution of arthropod organ systems 
• the role of transposable elements in insect evolution

We make use of recent advances in genomics/transcriptomics and post-genomic functional approaches to study molecular evolution through to function. Our research utilises laboratories in the SERSF and Stella Turk buildings, plus a new experimental entomology facility for working on major crop pest and GMOs. 

Specialists in Insect Evolutionary Ecology

• Professor Chris Bass
• Professor Jeremy Field
• Professor Richard ffrench-Constant
• Dr Alex Hayward
• Professor David Hosken
• Professor John Hunt
• Dr Xiaoya Ma
• Dr Nick Royle
• Professor Tom Tregenza
• Professor Nina Wedell
• Dr Karl Wotton