Christophe Praz
Post-doc
My research interest is in the biology, evolution and systematics of solitary bees, especially of the family Megachilidae. I did my PhD in Zurich, Switzerland under the supervision of Andreas Müller. My thesis focused on floral specialization in solitary bees (oligolecty). I combined an experimental approach, where I studied the physiological mechanisms underlying floral choices in bees, with a phylogenetic approach, using the mason bees (Osmiini) as model organisms.
Currently, I am postdoctoral fellow at Cornell University, where I am working on a molecular phylogeny of the bee family Megachilidae. I am particularly interested in reconstructing the evolution of nesting biology within this family. Megachilid bees are notorious for their use of foreign material such as cut leaves, resin or mud for the construction of their nests. I also intend to work on the systematics of the genus Megachile in the Palaearctic.
Current address:
Dr. Christophe Praz
Evolutionary entomology
Institute of Biology
University of Neuchatel
Emile-Argand 11
2009 Neuchatel
SWITZERLAND
email: christophe.praz@unine.ch; christophe.praz@gmx.ch