Naomi Pierce

I am interested in behavioral ecology and the evolution of species interactions. My students and I study model genetic systems as well as model ecological ones. In collaboration with Frederick Ausubel's lab at Harvard Medical School, we are analyzing genetic mechanisms and biochemical signaling pathways underlying three-way interactions between plants (Arabidopsis thaliana), pathogens (Pseudomonas syringae) and insects (Trichoplusia ni). At the Museum of Comparative Zoology, we are measuring characters and sequencing genes from butterflies in the family Lycaenidae (blues, coppers and hairstreaks). The caterpillars of the majority of species in this group, which contains more than 6000 species, have complex interactions with ants, and we are using molecular and morphological data to reconstruct their evolutionary history. A long term goal of this research is to clarify the systematics and classification of these insects, and to investigate how host plant and ant associations have shaped their patterns of diversification. In the field, we are also investigating behavioral and ecological mechanisms maintaining species specific interactions between lycaenids and ants. This research has taken us on a regular basis to locations around the world, including Australia, South Africa, Japan and Borneo. Support for this research has come in part from the National Science Foundation, the Macarthur Foundation, the Baker Foundation, the Putnam Expeditionary Fund of the MCZ, and the Milton and Clark Funds of Harvard University.