So, I realize that I haven't posted in a couple of ..... months. BUT I have been making some progress, just nothing that was particularly interesting until now. I have been adjusting to attending classes again, and I have finally figured out the nature of my thesis question. That has been a huge load off of my mind in the last couple of days, and now I just need to figure out all the set up so that I can do the project I have planned.
Okay, so quick background. My insect, Spodoptera frugiperda (Fall Armyworm), has two 'strains' that exist within the species. They are only distinguishable by molecular markers and some behavioral patterns, and they aren't 100% reproductively isolated from each other, so they haven't been designated as two separate species yet. We aren't quite sure how often the strains hybridize with each other in the wild for two reasons. First, the molecular markers to identify hybrids are not currently the best, and second the hybridization studies done in labs contradict each other a little bit. That is because as the moths are kept in captivity, their strain fidelity seems to break down and they mate between strains more often. So, I am going to collect both strains in the wild and establish colonies. Then I will make hybrid crosses with the wild ones, then every couple generations, to see how the rates of hybridization change. I'm pretty excited to work with this system, because I will get experience with molecular techniques, randomization of experimental design, and I will get to think about the question of what defines a species.
In other news, I seem to be able to mail things out from my apartment, but getting things that are mailed to me has been an effort fraught with frustration. I still have not done my taxes. *sigh* Everything should come out alright in the end though.
Until next time, signing off.
