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Description

The group's research focuses on various aspects of insect biology and can address any general topic in Entomology. In the field of morphology, basic questions concerning the form and function of these organisms are addressed. This includes questions such as the morphology of venom glands in parasitic wasps and the structure and function of sexual organs in butterflies and moths, including aspects of sexual selection. In the field of taxonomy, work is carried out on groups such as Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera, addressing the problem of identification, taxonomy and phylogeny from both morphological and molecular points of view. In the field of ecology, aspects such as host-parasitoid relationships in wasps (braconids and chalcidids) or the population dynamics of butterflies are dealt with. Applied Entomology deals with aspects such as the detection and identification of pests, the study of their biological cycles, the use of useful insects in biological control (bioassays of compatibility with the use of insecticides) or biorational insecticides and the use of pheromones in biological control. 

Particularly noteworthy are the aspects related to the populations of culicidae and cockroaches. We also work on aspects related to the conservation of fauna such as the generation of red lists, studies of endangered fauna and micro-reserves and the conservation of protected butterflies.

Goals CT
  • Study of taxonomy and phylogeny in insects of the orders Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera.
  • Parasitoid insects (braconids and chalcidids) Comparative venom gland morphology, host-parasitoid relationships.
  • Morphology and sexual selection in Lepidoptera.
  • Recognition and detection of pests and establishment of their biological cycles, control measures.
  • Insecticides: development of biorational insecticides, pheromones, biological control, urban and agricultural pests.
Research lines
  • Lepidoptera systematics and biology

    Taxonomy, phylogeny and ecology studies in Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), especially in the Tortricidae family. This includes aspects of its morphology, sexual selection and population dynamics, as well as studies in protected species.

  • Parasitoid systematics and biology

    Taxonomy, classification and phylogeny studies in Parasitic Hymenoptera, principally of the Braconidae family. This includes aspects of its morphology such as the study of the venom gland, and ecological aspects like the host parasitoid relationships.

  • Pest control

    Pest examination, detection and control. Natural enemies, biorational insecticides and pheromones included. Compatibility of insecticides with useful fauna. Especially in urban and agricultural environments. Primarily urban pests (cockroaches) and vectors (mosquitoes).

  • General entomology

    General works on Entomology, including dissemination and training, in groups of insects and aspects that are not covered by the most specific lines of this laboratory. This includes, for example, works on Odonata (dragonflies), Díptera, Coleoptera, as well as works on conservation.

Members
  • BAIXERAS ALMELA, JOAQUIN
  • PDI-Titular d'Universitat
  • Director/a d' Institut Universitari
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  • FALCO GARI, JOSE VICENTE
  • PDI-Titular d'Universitat
  • Coordinador/a Curs
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Scientific production by UV researcher
Associated structure
Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology
Contact group details
Entomology and Pest Control (ECP)

Burjassot/Paterna Campus

Science Park
C/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2

46980 Paterna (Valencia)

+34 963 544 651

Geolocation

www.uv.es/cavanilles