Neuroethology and ecophysiology of insects

The long-term objective of the programme is to understand the neurophysiological mechanisms which control the lives of insects in their natural environment. Species are chosen for study for (1) their suitability for investigating detailed mechanisms, (2) their economic importance in agriculture and (3) their relevance to environmental protection. Investigations of species important as global pests (southern green stink bug Nezara viridula), and as bioindicators for specific biological environments (biotopes) in Slovenia (cave crickets of genus Troglophilus) thus have high priority in the programme. This research is focused on (a) the ecology of specific environment(s) for these species, (b) their behaviour in the field and under controlled laboratory conditions, (c) analysis of the informational value of different intra- and inter-species signals used in communication, (d) study of the transmission of those signals in different media, (e) the morphology and function of the different sensory organs and neurons which transmit the information to the centres in the central nervous system. The programme will contribute not only to scientific knowledge but also to the general education and understanding necessary for protection of the environment and for the management and preservation of biodiversity. In addition, it will provide an essential platform of knowledge on which future practices for management of agricultural pests can be built.