Geographic variation in the Drosophila suzukii susceptibility to its coevolved larval parasitoids

This internship for master’s degree thesis will investigate the interactions between different Italian populations of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii and two coevolved Asian larval parasitoids. The activities will be carried out via laboratory bioassays for assessing key biological (e.g., degree of parasitism, encapsulation rate) and physiological parameters (e.g., hemocyte count) of such interactions. The MS student will be actively involved in colony maintenance, literature review, experimental bioassays, and data analysis, under the close supervision of the thesis advisor. The thesis will provide the candidate with valuable experience in ecological and applied pest control and management. Other similar projects will be available in the near future.