PhD in Sustainable development and cooperation

Climate change is not only raising global average temperatures but is also increasing the frequency of extreme events, like heatwaves.  Heatwaves pose significant threats to biodiversity, particularly affecting insects, which are short-lived and incapable of physiological thermoregulation. While the lethal effects of high temperatures and critical thermal limits are well-documented, my research focuses on the non-lethal effects of temperature on insects, in particular on the thermal limits to reproduction, spanning from gamete production to animal communication. Understanding these effects is crucial for predicting future insect distributions, as recent evidence shows that it is not only the critical temperatures that matter but also the conditions under which insects can continue to reproduce, contributing to population growth and persistence.

 

My research aims to answer the question, "How do heatwaves affect reproduction in insects?" To explore this, I conduct experiments on the field cricket, a model organism in the study of sexual selection. Crickets exhibit a variety of reproductive behaviors, such as singing, fighting, and guarding. I will assess the effects of ecologically relevant heatwaves on behaviours, gametes and reproductive success. I'll further take advantage of studying the species Gryllus bimaculatus from two populations, Italy and Madagascar. This provides valuable insights into understanding thermal vulnerabilities of  tropical and island species compared to their temperate conspecifics.

This comprehensive approach will help us understand the broader impacts of heatwaves on reproductive ecology, and guide conservation efforts to mitigate global decline in insect abundance and diversity.