Research

Mosquito Surveillance in the Maritimes

Climate change is mosquito-friendly in the Maritimes and we can expect new species to arrive as their ranges expand. We are currently updating the catalogue of mosquito species within the Maritime provinces with intensive sampling of larvae and adults in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI. Complementary to traditional sampling methods, we are also using eDNA and community science to detect invasive species of mosquitoes. We are also tracking the prevalence of WNV, EEEV, and California Serogroup viruses in our mosquitoes. Check out @AcadiaMosquitoTeam on social media for updates during the field season!

Overwintering biology of ticks and mosquitoes

Winter is an important season for ectotherms, including vectors, which sets the stage for their ability to transmit disease in the growing season. We are interested in how winter and winter climate change impact the range expansion and abundance of ticks and mosquitoes. We use simulated overwintering conditions, as well as field exposures, to explore winter behaviour and physiology. In ticks, we are particularly interested in the role of the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, in overwintering success. We also explore the role of pathogens in driving overwintering mortality.

Immunity and infection in changing environments

As our environment continues to warm, what will happen to disease dynamics in insects? The insect immune system is sensitive to temperature, but warmer is not always better. Plus, pathogen growth and virulence is also in the equation. To understand how insects will cope with disease with climate change, we study variation in the immune system in response to changing temperatures.

Impacts of microplastics on invertebrate physiology

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment and can have deleterious effects on animals. Currently we are exploring how microplastic ingestion impacts cold tolerance in mosquito larvae.

Publications