Understanding how an invasive fruit fly adapts to new environments
Official title: Tracking adaptive evolution in real time in an invasive fruit fly
Funded at University of Richmond · NIH-10438436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the African Fig Fly, which is a new pest in North America, quickly changes to fit into different places, especially along the East Coast and in Virginia, to help us understand how it adapts and evolves in its new home.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Richmond NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $415,081 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM146208-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10438436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals involved in agriculture or environmental conservation, particularly in regions affected by invasive species.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in agriculture or conservation efforts may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the rapid adaptation of the African Fig Fly, an invasive species, to various habitats in North America. By collecting and analyzing genetic and phenotypic data from these flies, the study aims to uncover how they evolve in response to their new environments. The researchers will focus on populations along the East Coast and in Virginia, examining changes in allele frequencies and traits over time. This work could provide insights into the mechanisms of adaptation and the predictability of evolutionary processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of invasive species management and inform strategies to mitigate their impact on agriculture and biodiversity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in studying adaptation in invasive species, but this specific approach of real-time genomic analysis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Richmond
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erickson, Priscilla a — University of Richmond
- Study coordinator: Erickson, Priscilla a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.