Module Chair: Dr. Brent Sinclair
The Biotron Insect Module is a dedicated space for the secure rearing of, and experimentation on, insects for climate change studies. The module can operate as a stand-alone entity for research on insects specifically, or integrate with the other modules for research that crosses disciplinary and taxonomic boundaries.
Facilities:
The Biotron Insect Module provides a level of containment appropriate for working with both local insects and imported insects of medium risk. General facilities include a walk-in refrigerator, a diet-making room, autoclave, clean and dirty labs for processing insect cages and a small amount of storage space for materials. Experimental and rearing facilities allow for rearing and exposure of insects at temperatures from +45 to -73 °C, under controlled temperature, humidity and light conditions.
Current Facilities:
- 12 Walk-in growth chambers (+5- +40°C)
- 1 Walk-in growth chamber (-10 - +35°C))
- 14 Reach-in incubators (+5 - +45 °C))
- 1 Tenney Extreme Temperature Chamber (-73 - +200 °C)
Research:
Current research in the Biotron Insect Module includes:
Insect Migration
Principal Investigator: Professor Jeremy McNeil
Many insects migrate in response to both predictable and unpredictable habitat deterioration, using environmental cues to evaluate habitat quality. Using the true armyworm, a sporadic pest of many agricultural crops, as a model system we have an interdisciplinary research programme examining both the ecology and physiology of insect migration under controlled environmental condition in the Biotron. The data generated will not only broaden our basic understanding of the processes involved in migration, but will also allow us to examine possible consequences of climate change for migratory species.
Chemically Mediated Tritrophic Interactions
Principal Investigator: Professor Jeremy McNeil
Naturally occurring chemicals play essential roles in the interactions between plants, herbivores and their natural enemies, and using the facilities available in the Biotron we are starting to study how these interactions are affected by environmental conditions. It is important to understand if /how changes in climate modify these interactions, as there could be significant implications for the production of food and fibre.
Overwintering Energetics of Butterflies
Principal Investigator: Dr. Brent Sinclair
Many insects rely on energy reserves stored in the fall to fuel their breeding biology in the spring. As winter conditions change with climate change, these altered temperatures will affect the energetics of overwintering in many insects. We are investigating these effects, using the climate control available in the Biotron. This information will be valuable for both conservation of biodiversity and the prediction and management of some pest insects.
Winter Ecology of a Biocontrol Agent
Principal Investigator: Dr. Brent Sinclair
The heather beetle, Lochmaea suturalis has been introduced to New Zealand to control invasive heather in Tongariro National Park. Unfortunately, the establishment of this species has been slow. In collaboration with researchers at Landcare Research in New Zealand, we are exploring the role of winter conditions in determining the success of this beetle, and its potential for improved biocontrol under climate change.
Overwintering Biology of Emerald Ash Borer
Principal Investigator: Dr. Brent Sinclair
The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive wood-boring beetle that threatens over a billion ash trees in Ontario alone. In collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Canadian Forest Service, Ontario Municipal Foresters and Dr Kim Cuddington of the University of Waterloo, we are investigating the possible role of winter conditions in limiting EAB populations, and how this limitation might be altered with predicted climate change.
Genetics and Behaviour of Colonizing Species: The Eastern Subterranean Termite
Principal Investigator: Dr. Graham Thompson
All species of termite live in social groups, or colonies, of interacting individuals, but the Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, is the only termite found commonly in eastern Canada’s cold climate. As such, it is restricted to the warmer, southernmost regions of Ontario, and even here, it is normally restricted to artificially warm habitats of developed city blocks and residential properties. This perception is changing, however, as Canada’s climate warms and species boundaries change. In July of 2008 we located a large colony of R. flavipes in Point Pelee National Park, a protected natural Heritage Area that is distinctly non-urban. The irregular occurrence of termites in the Park is significant for two reasons. First, it documents an extended natural (i.e. non-urban) range for this species into Canada from the northern tier states of the US. Second, this invasive population provides a new arena for student-led research into the genetics and behaviour of an economically important species of social insect.
Recent Scientific Visitors to the Biotron Insect Module
Dr. David Renault (University of Rennes 1, Bretagne, France) – September 2008
Dr. Rika Ozawa (Centre for Ecological Research at Kyoto University – August 2008
