Mike Strand

Research

This lab studies primarily the interactions between different types of parasites and their insect hosts. Most of our projects involve parasitoid wasps that develop as immatures in or on the bodies of other insects but that are free-living as adults. Parasitoid wasps are among the most species-rich group of organisms on earth. Many parasitoids are also very important economically because of their use as biological control agents of insect pests.

One study area in the lab focuses on understanding how the host’s immune system protects insects from parasitoid invasion and reciprocally, how parasitoids overcome host defenses. This includes the study of microbial symbionts like polydnaviruses that are carried by many parasitoids and that play a key role in suppressing the immune system of host insects.

Another study area focuses on life history evolution and how parasitic lifestyles have affected developmental processes. We are particularly interested in polyembryonic parasitoids that exhibit many dramatic developmental adaptations as well as a sophisticated caste system that resembles in many ways the social systems of bees, ants, and termites.

Selected Publications

• Giron, D., K.G. Ross, and M.R. Strand. 2007. The presence of soldier larvae determines the outcome of competition in a polyembryonic wasp. J. Evol. Biol. 20:165-172.

News

What drives mosquitoes’ bloodlust? Their hormones (Nature)

The Science Behind What Makes Mosquitoes Bite You! Explained (News 9)

Mosquito bloodlust controlled by two hormones (The Naked Scientists)

All the pieces matter: UGA researchers collaborate to solve malaria puzzle

Trainee Spotlight: Benjamin Phipps

Key to Controlling Mosquitoes May Reside in Their Gut Microbiota (Growing America)

What’s Bugging Michael Strand?

Trainee Spotlight: Ruby Harrison

UGA Researchers Receive NSF Grant to Study Hormone Regulation in Mosquitoes

‘Prestigious recognition’: UGA entomologist elected to National Academy of Sciences

UGA entomologist Michael Strand elected to National Academy of Sciences

UGA researchers find hormone receptor that allows mosquitoes to reproduce