Marion Utermann
Master in biology
marion.utermann@unine.ch
Project
Due to global warming, low-altitude orthopterans will migrate to higher altitudes, where temperatures are more optimal. The aim of this work is to expose, in the laboratory, low- and high-altitude orthopterans to a range of high- and low-altitude plants in order to assess their feeding preferences. In addition, metabolomic analyses will be carried out on the plants and orthopterans to try to explain these preferences. A comparison between the diets of the locusts and those of the alpine animals will also be carried out to identify possible challenges for this future cohabitation.
Together with previous and future studies, this will enable us to anticipate future changes in alpine and sub-alpine meadows and pastures.
Fields of research
- Entomology
- Functional ecology
- Global warming
- Metabolomics
