Ricerc@Sapienza

We are interested in intraspecific diversity of insects, mainly phytophagous and saproxylic species, in both evolutionary contexts—concerning insect–plant relationships and the adaptive significance of genetic polymorphisms in groups of phytophagous beetles (mainly Weevils and Leaf Beetles)—and in conservation-related issues, particularly in the prioritization of protected areas aimed at safeguarding insect species included in the Habitats Directive.

We study the relationships between genetic variability and diet breadth (from monophagy to polyphagy) in some species of Curculionidae and Chrysomelidae, also using a population genomics approach. We also genetically characterize natural populations of phytophagous insects to evaluate them as potential biological control agents against invasive weeds.

Regarding the conservation aspects of insects listed in the Habitats Directive, we are working on estimating, based on both publicly available database records and newly generated data for some relevant saproxylic beetle species, their intraspecific genetic diversity to study its spatial distribution using geostatistical methods and to identify areas of greatest conservation interest.