Julie-Anne Popple
Interests: My research interests
are broad, encompassing insect behaviour and physiology,
evolution, ecology and integrative pest management. I am
particularly interested in intraspecific interactions
between individuals, such as auditory communication and
mate recognition behaviours, as well as the relative
influence of the environment and genetics on insect
behaviour. Outside of the lab, my hobbies are bushwalking,
singing, snorkeling, tennis and painting.
Project title: Population genetics
and migratory behaviour in the Australian Plague Locust,
Chortoicetes terminifera.
Behavioural phase polyphenism is a form of phenotypic plasticity in which locusts respond to increased population density by shifting from a solitarious form (no aggregation) to a gregarious form (aggregating, migratory). If significant genetic structuring is found, then we will use assignment tests to determine patterns of movement between individuals both spatially (between populations within a season) and temporally (by repeating the analysis in the two subsequent seasons). Additionally, I plan to identify genetically unique populations, sample live individuals from the field and then use a behavioural assay to look for any correlation between genetic structure and the propensity of populations to express BPP. My third aim is to determine whether there is a transfer of phase state between generations, which I will examine by comparing the phase state of hatchling locusts of gregarious and solitarious parents in a mini behavioural assay. If time permits I will examine mate recognition in C. terminifera, looking at what cues are involved and for any variation in relation to phase state or geographic origin. In the event that there is no genetic structuring I will instead focus on environmental influences on phase, such as resource distribution.
Thanks to Gabe Miller for the photos.