Insect population dynamics in changing environments

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My research program examines the processes that drive insect populations, in particular at a large spatial and temporal scale. Insect populations are particularly suitable for such studies because of the wide range of dynamics that different species show; my research program makes use of three insect systems with very different dynamics. Projects combine long-term monitoring of populations, and the experimental study of process that drive those dynamics. I examine the effect of fragmentation of boreal forests on the dynamics of outbreaking, cyclic pest populations of the forest defoliator, the forest tent caterpillar. These studies identify that the more severe outbreaks in fragmented forest result in part from the effect of fragmentation de-coupling the tent caterpillar from its natural enemies.