Laboratory of Chemical Ecology and Behavior 

Welcome

Welcome to the Dweck lab in the Department of Entomology at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES)

Drosophila suzukii

Our lab aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying chemosensory and ecological niche adaptation, using the global fruit pest Drosophila suzukii (commonly known as Spotted Wing Drosophila, SWD) as a model.  

Our work addresses three key questions:

--What are the chemosensory changes underlying the preference of D. suzukii for ripe fruit?

--What are the mechanisms underlying these changes?

--How do the genes underlying these changes contribute to the preference of D. suzukii for ripe fruit?

Ultimately, this work will lead to the development of cutting-edge chemical and molecular strategies to enhance the detection and management of this serious pest.

Spotted Lanternflies

Our laboratory also participate in state and nationwide efforts to stop the invasion of  spotted lanternflies by investigating their chemosensory systems that mediate host plant finding, aggreagation, feeding, mating, and egg-laying site selection.