Topic: Genomics of the pine processionary moth pest burden
Dates: 15 November 2022 – 31 March 2026
CBGP supervisors: C. Perrier, M. Gautier & C. Kerdelhué
University: Université de Montpellier, ED GAIA

The spatial and demographic expansion of species in the context of climate change and/or invasions is thought to lead to a depletion of genetic diversity and an increase in inbreeding, and to influence the processes of adaptation and the purging or accumulation of genetic burden.

The aim of my thesis is to test these hypotheses in the context of the pine processionary moth’s spread across Europe. To this end, I will analyse genomic data (individual WGS and Poolseq) from the pine processionary moth across several populations located at different points along the range of its spread.

I will assess genetic diversity, inbreeding, proxies for genetic load, and putative genomic signatures of adaptation, and test hypotheses relating to adaptation and the purging or accumulation of genetic load during spatial expansion.