structure and function of gut MICROBIOMEs in Adult HELICONIINE BUTTERFLIES
Heliconius erato in Gamboa, Panama
In collaboration with Owen McMillan, I am studying the microbial symbionts and parasites of adult passion-vine butterflies. Heliconius and related genera are a widely studied model system for the evolution and genetic/developmental basis of wing coloration. These butterflies exhibit an amazing variety of mimicry patterns and participate in unique interactions with plants as both caterpillars and adults (see here). I am interested in the microbes inhabiting their guts: who they are, how they get there, what they do, and how they vary across host populations and species.
microbial mutualism in ground-nesting cellophane bees (colletidae)
Crawfordapis luctuosa in Monteverde, Costa Rica
I recently begun a foray into the microbial associates of the Diphaglossinae, also known as fork- and feather-tongued bees. In particular, I am interested in the microbiology of larval provisions of Ptiloglossa, and the potential for microbes to provide nutritional, detoxification, and anti-pathogen functions.
Fieldwork is currently ongoing, so stay tuned for more updates about this project!
Fieldwork is currently ongoing, so stay tuned for more updates about this project!