Ann Fritz’s research is in behavioral ecology, particularly of insects. Ann’s lab is currently investigating reproductive biology, population dynamics and genetic introgression. Dr. Fritz’s research is currently melding behavior, morphology, and molecular methods to address hypotheses on the dynamics of sperm storage and use in female insects affecting paternity outcomes. Insects are ideal study subjects since there is often a temporal separation between insemination and fertilization allowing greater potential for female manipulation of sperm.  Female control over fertilization outcomes adds a new dimension to understanding the evolutionary conflict between the sexes, thus changing our views on the degree to which females influence male reproductive success.  Dr. Fritz also has collaborative projects on microbial constituents of the gut and reproductive tracts of flies, and with institutions in Brazil and Bolivia on the population biology/genetics of fruit flies of economic importance.

Poster Presentations

2007 Doyle, K., Norman, V.,  Daniel, S.L., and A.H. Fritz
Concentrations and Diversity of Bacteria in the Caribbean Fruit Fly Anastrepha suspensa.

Representative Recent Student Projects:

2006. Tadel, S. A. Comparing microsatellite genetic variability in mass-reared versus wild Anastrepha suspensa. (UG)

2006. K. Doyle and V. Norman Concentrations and types of bacteria present in the pupae and adults of the Caribbena fruit fly Anastrepha suspensa. (co-advised with Dr. Daniel) (UG)

2005.Wallace, H. Copulatory behaviors of male Caribbean Fruit Flies (Anastrepha suspensa) and female sperm storage patterns. (G)

2005. Pleasant, J. Ecology of the Eastern Tent Caterpillar in East Central Illinois. (co-advised with Dr. Bollinger) (G)

2005. Surbuhr, D. Silphid Beetle (Coleoptera:Silphidae) Species found in the McHenry County District Protected Lands (G)

2005. Novak, L.. Molecular determination of sperm identity in multiply mating female Anastrepha suspensa (G)