2026_IR_11_PC_DAFNAE_MAZZON – Phylogeny and Evolutionary Dynamics of Bacterial Symbiosis in Tephritid Flies (Diptera, Tephritidae): Expanding the Study System tothe Nearctic, Neotropical, and Afrotropical Regions

Scientific-Disciplinary Group

07/AGRI-05 - Plant Pathology And Entomology

Description

Hereditary symbiosis between insects and bacteria is a key factor in the evolution of Tephritidae fruit flies. Previous studies, largelyconducted by our research group, identified host-specific inherited symbionts in several Tephritidae lineages, particularly non-frugivorous species associated with Asteraceae, across the Palearctic, Australasian, and Hawaiian regions. To complete the globalphylogeographic framework, this project will extend the analysis to the Nearctic, Neotropical, and Afrotropical regions throughcollaboration with A.L. Norrbom (USDA). The aim is to integrate new data into the existing phylogeny and evaluate the conservation ofhost–symbiont associations worldwide. Molecular and phylogenetic approaches will be used to identify symbionts and reconstruct theirevolutionary history, providing a global perspective on symbiosis in Tephritidae

Compensation

22,500 Euro

Job posting website

https://protocollo.unipd.it/albo/viewer

Number of positions

1

Maximum duration

12.0

Funding body

UNIVERSITA' DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA - DIPARTIMENTO DI AGRONOMIA ANIMALI ALIMENTI RISORSE NATURALI E AMBIENTE – DAFNAE

How to apply

https://pica.cineca.it/unipd/

Selection process