MSc project: The adaptation of seasonal timing to climate change in winter moths
Suitable for MSc thesis, at least 5 months
General background
Climate change threatens many insects with extinction. Only those that can rapidly adapt to this change will eventually survive. The winter moth is one of the few species found to show rapid microevolution to climate change. Increasing winter temperatures due to climate change advanced the hatching date of winter moth eggs more strongly than the timing of their food source, young oak leaves. However, Dutch winter moth populations underwent genetic changes resulting in eggs now completing development later for the same temperatures compared to ten years before. As a result, their seasonal timing to their food source is progressively improving.
Project outline
In my PhD project, I investigate the evolutionary response of winter moths to climate change. I aim to uncover the mechanism of adaptation underlying the observed changes in winter moth egg development. One key aspect is working out what determines seasonal timing of winter moth egg development. When are eggs most sensitive to changes in temperature? Does temperature sensitivity depend on development stage and/or egg age? What is the effect of cold spells on development rate? Does food quality alter seasonal timing?
Students interested in tackling one of these questions have the possibility to carry out their own temperature experiment (October/November start) or food quality experiment (February/March start). Depending on the experiment and your interests, methods can include winter moth Autumn or Spring field work involving egg collection and determining seasonal timing, experimental manipulation, and imaging techniques to observe winter moth egg development. Don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss potential research projects!
Methods: Temperature/food quality experiments, Autumn or Spring field work, Imaging
Further information
Please contact:
Natalie van Dis, PhD candidate
Department of Animal Ecology
Netherlands Institute of Ecology, NIOO-KNAW
n.vandis@nioo.knaw.nl
