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Prof. Dr. Joachim Schachtner

Research interests

Our research focuses on ontogeny, plasticity and evolution of the insect olfactory system. Current research strategy involves mainly beetles and mosquitoes. With the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, we examine one species in very detail, from molecules involved in olfaction down to behavior, to learn about plasticity of the olfactory pathway and developmental mechanisms. We also look at various beetle species to find adaptions and specializations in the olfactory pathway that support the success of the beetles as the species richest insect group. Mainly in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, we want to learn how neuropeptides govern behavioral changes during the gonotrophic cycle.