Insect Evolutionary Genetics. Dr. Josh Gibson's lab group investigate the genetic and evolutionary basis of phenotypic traits that vary between insects. Traits that promote reproductive isolation between closely related groups are of particular interest because they promote speciation and further diversification during evolution. This has led to a number of projects investigating metabolic deficits in hybrid wasps and bees. Other activities in the lab include investigating the genetics of invasiveness in ants and contributing to collaborative genome projects.

Research Plan for REU Participant: Students will participate in projects combining field and laboratory studies of invasive ants to: 1) measure variation in Argentine ant colony recognition based on cuticular chemistry and behavioral observations 2) determine how temperature and rainfall patterns alter this chemistry, and how climate change will alter colony recognition in these ants, and 3) assess interspecific interactions between multiple invasive ants (Argentine ants, Fire ants, Tawny Crazy ants, etc.) and how climate change will alter these interactions and affect the invasiveness of these ants. Field studies and collections will take place at the local and regional scale across the southeastern Coastal Plain.

Visit Dr. Gibson's website for more information