Feder Lab Home Page
(Welcome to the domain of Rhagoletis)
Our lab utilizes molecular biology, field ecology and population genetics to study evolutionary processes, with a focus on sympatric speciation. Our main study organism is the apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella. R. pomonella is a classic example of sympatric speciation in action and has formed distinct host-races aligned with specific fruit-bearing trees (hawthorns and apples). Our laboratory investigates the processes by which this has occurred via a combination of genetics and evolutionary ecology. Current research focuses on (1) developing the R. pomonella genome! (2) searching for genes controlling host preference, including odor recognition (3) population genetic studies of Mexican R. pomonella (4) investigating differences between populations of flies infesting different Southern hawthorn species, including the mayhaw, blueberry haw and green haw (5) conducting field studies to determine the fitness/host-finding ability of apple/hawthorn hybrid flies.
Other current research in our lab focuses on (1) population genetics of the Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus), (2) development of genetic diagnostic techniques to identify invasive species in ballast water (in collaboration with Dr. David Lodge and Dr. Chia Chang), and (3) the evolutionary ecology/genetics of a number of braconid parasitoids of Rhagoletis pomonella (Diachasma alloeum, Diachasmimorpha mellea and Utetes canaliculatus) that may be diverging sympatrically in parallel with their hosts.
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We
are currently accepting new graduate student applications
Info on applying for graduate study at ND
or contact Dr. Feder directly to discuss possible graduate work 574-631-4159.
Info on applying for graduate study at ND
or contact Dr. Feder directly to discuss possible graduate work 574-631-4159.