Ecological Genetics of the Predatory Lady Beetle Hippodamia convergens: Effects of Augmentative Releases

The goal of this mini-sabbatical is to learn selected molecular genotyping techniques used in Dr. Fred Janzen's laboratory in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University. The objectives of this project are to identify microsatellite population markers for California populations of H. convergens using molecular genotyping techniques. Based on these markers we will determine if introgression of California genes has occurred in Iowa populations of H. convergens.