Symbiotic microorganisms living in the reproductive tissues of their hosts can have great impact on host development, reproduction and evolution. I am studying the bacteria-induced alteration of insect sexuality and reproductive system particularly focusing on the interaction between Wolbachia bacteria and butterflies.
- Effect of Wolbachia endosymbionts on the sex determining mechanism of insects
- Effect of Wolbachia endosymbionts on the ecology and evolution of insect populations
My previous work (some are still on progress)
- Wolbachia endosymbionts that completely feminize the genetically male butterflies
- Highly prevalent spiroplasma infection in the fly Drosophila hydei
- Timing of spiroplasma-induced male-killing depends on the maternal age of its host
- Genetic basis underlying the variation of male-killing intensity observed in Drosophila melanogaster
- Endosymbiont-induced male-killing in moths belonging to the genus Ostrinia
