Research Interests:

My thesis research in the department centers on an introduced pest of native ash (genus Fraxinus) trees, the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis).  This aggressive buprestid has killed millions of trees in the Upper Midwest, and threatens to eradicate an entire genus of major forest trees throughout the country if not contained.  My work aims at using behavior to trap the insect for monitoring purposes.  I am investigating the use of vision in mate-finding, as well as the chemical cues males use once they have located a potential mate.  I have successfully trapped beetles using a novel method, and plan to improve upon this technique in the coming summer.

Another of my areas of interest is the neuroethology of pheromonal communication in moths and mantids, among other insects.  My current model insects are the Heliothine moths, although past research on pheromonal signaling and sexual conflict focused on praying mantids.  Currently, this work focuses on the way in which pheromone blends interact and how these interactions affect the flight of male moths.  In the near future, I also plan to examine mantid antennae, in an attempt to learn more about how mantids are processing olfactory information.

My research philosophy is based on a core belief that behavior holds the answers to many of our struggles with and against insects.  When behavioral information is integrated with information about neurophysiology and chemical ecology, novel solutions to old problems, as well as new insights into insect biology, can be achieved.

Publications:

Lelito, J.P., Fraser, Mastro, V.C., Tumlinson, J.H., Boroczky, K., and Baker, T.C. 2007.  Visually mediated paratrooper copulations™ in the mating behavior of Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), a highly destructive invasive pest of North American ash trees.  Journal of Insect Behavior 20: 537-552.