Ph.D. Program in Biodiversity and Evolution
Taxonomy and phylogeny of Isoptera (Insecta)
The taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships among some Palearctic and Australian
termite taxa are investigated through the analysis of mitochondrial genomic
compartment.
The genetic characterisation (COII and 16S genes), together with fine morphological
analyses, i.e. Scanning Electron Microscopy, will allow to better defining
the taxonomic value of the studied taxa.
A number of examined species are destroyer of timber materials in urban
habitat. In this regard, good species recognition is needed for a correct
pest control.
Recent Publications
Marini M., Ferrari R. - 1998 - A population survey of the italian subterranean termite Reticulitermes lucifugus lucifugus Rossi in Bagnacavallo (Ravenna, Italy), using the Triple Mark Recapture Technique (TMR). Zoological Science 15(6): 963-969.
Marini M., Mantovani B. – 2002 - Molecular relationships among European
samples of Reticulitermes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Mol. Phylog. Evol.,
22: 454-459.
Luchetti A., Trenta M., Mantovani B., Marini M. - 2004 - Taxonomy and phylogeny
of north mediterranean Reticulitermes termites (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae):
a new insight. Insect. Soc. 51: 117-122.
Research Group
Mario Marini (Zoology's Associate Prof.)
Silvia Ghesini (PhD fellow)
Roberta Randi (Technician D)
Location
Dept. of Experimental Biology, Via Selmi 3, Bologna
