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Vera D'Urso is an Associate Professor of Zoology at the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, where she has been employed since 1994. Her academic career began with a CNR scholarship from 1977-1980, followed by work as a Confirmed Researcher at the Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Catania from 1980-1994. She has received DAAD scholarships for research at the University of Marburg in Germany in 1984 and 1987. Dr. D'Urso earned her Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Catania with a grade of 110 cum laude. She furthered her expertise with postgraduate courses in "Quantitative Methods in Ecology" at the International Center of Theoric Physics in Miramare, Trieste in 1980. Dr. D'Urso is a leading expert in several entomological fields, with primary research interests in: Insecta Homoptera Auchenorrhyncha (leafhoppers and related insects) Insecta Diptera Phlebotominae (sand flies) Systematics and biodiversity of Mediterranean insects Insect vectors of phytoplasmas affecting economically important plants Alien species and their ecological impact Tardigrades and their taxonomy Her extensive publication record spanning over 95 scientific papers demonstrates her expertise in insect systematics, morphology, and ecology. Recent research has focused on Mediterranean biodiversity, particularly examining alien species like Balclutha brevis and their impact on local ecosystems. She has also made significant contributions to understanding phytoplasma transmission in grapevines, sandfly vectors of leishmaniasis in Sicily, and tardigrade taxonomy in extreme environments including Antarctica. Dr. D'Urso has served on numerous scientific committees including the editorial board of Biodiversity Journal, and has been a referee for multiple prestigious journals. She has participated in research projects including "Morphology, Systematics, Biology and Biogeography of Rhynchota Insects" (1994-99) and studies on sandflies in areas with high canine leishmaniasis endemicity (2004-06). Her academic service includes membership on doctoral committees at the University of Catania, participation in national evaluation committees for associate professor positions in Zoology, and serving on the Department Board of the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (2018-2020). She has also conducted numerous entomological collection missions in Italy and abroad including Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, former Yugoslavia, Germany, Tunisia, Libya, and Malta.

• Insecta Homoptera Auchenorrhyncha
• Insecta Diptera Phlebotominae
• Insect Systematics
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Claudia Palestrini is a Professor at the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology , University of Turin. Her work focuses on dung beetles , ground beetles , and Alpine biodiversity conservation , with a strong emphasis on geometric morphometrics , zoogeography , and entomology . Her research integrates ecology , systematics , and phylogeny to study insect communities in Alpine and Mediterranean environments. Key themes include habitat use , species differentiation , and sustainable land management . She has contributed to over 400 publications, with recent work analyzing equine feeding devices and insect acoustic signals . Her teaching includes courses on Entomology for Cultural Heritage , Biological Sciences , and Environmental Education . She serves on academic committees like the Department Council and Interdisciplinary Sport Sciences program. Her work bridges entomology and sustainable sports practices , highlighting the importance of biodiversity in human-impacted ecosystems.

• Entomology
• Dung Beetle Ecology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +4 more

Michele Ricupero is an Assistant Professor (RTD-B) in the Department of Agriculture Food and Environment (Di3A) at the University of Catania, specializing in Applied Entomology. His research focuses on sustainable pest control in protected crops using biological methods and biopesticides, with emphasis on ecotoxicology of natural enemies. Education includes a B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Sciences (with honors), Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, and professional certification as an Agronomist. He conducted international research at institutions including INRA (France), University of Minnesota (USA), and Universidad de Talca (Chile) through Erasmus+ grants. Research interests center on: Biological control of horticultural pests (especially tomatoes) Molecular identification of insects Transcriptomics of plant-insect defenses Bioinsecticide development and ecotoxicology His publications demonstrate strong focus on sustainable pest management, with recent works analyzing non-target effects of pesticides, essential oil formulations, and invasive species dynamics. Awards include: Top Reviewer in Multidisciplinary, Plant & Animal Science (Clarivate, 2019) He advises graduate theses on topics like RNA interference in Lepidoptera and bioinsecticide efficacy. Research funded through PRIN projects, ENI Italy-Tunisia programmes, and Agritech Center. Leads activities in the Biocontrol Lab and serves on the Board of the Italian Entomological Society. Editorial roles include Annals of Applied Biology and guest editorships for Agronomy and Frontiers in Agronomy.

• Entomology
• Biological Control
• Biopesticides
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Giovanni Sogari is an Associate Professor in Consumer Behavior at the Department of Food and Drug at the University of Parma, Italy. His academic journey includes an MSc in Food Science (2010) and a Ph.D. in Agriculture Economics (2015) from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Piacenza. From 2017 to 2020, he held a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship at Cornell University, conducting research on consumer science to improve healthy eating habits. Dr. Sogari's research lies at the nexus of psychology, sensory analysis, and experimental economics, focusing on eating behavior to inform policy-makers, private companies, and the public. His work spans several key areas including: Consumer behavior and food choices Novel foods and edible insects Healthy and sustainable diets Alternative proteins Wine and sustainability Fisheries & Aquaculture His recent research has focused on understanding what drives consumers to make healthier food choices, with particular attention to digital nudging interventions, cross-cultural consumer valuation of alternative protein sources, and the impact of labeling systems like Nutri-Score on consumer behavior. Dr. Sogari has led and participated in numerous European and national research projects, including the Marie Curie project CONSUMEHealth, PrimeFish, and MoreMedDiet. Dr. Sogari has received several scientific awards and recognitions, including: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (2017-2020) National Scientific Qualification to the positions of Professor of Second Chair (2018) Expert Scientist position at the European Food Safety Authority (2020) As an educator, Dr. Sogari teaches Consumer Behavior, Agricultural commodities Marketing, and Methods and techniques for consumer analysis at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He has been actively involved in various Master's programs at the University of Parma and has conducted international teaching activities at institutions including Kedge Business School (France), Technical University of Munich (Germany), and Michigan State University (USA). Dr. Sogari is an active member of several scientific societies, including the Italian Association of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AIEAA), the European Association of Agricultural Economists (EAAE), and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). His work bridges academic research with practical applications to address contemporary challenges in food systems, sustainability, and consumer behavior.

• Consumer Behavior
• Food Science
• Agricultural Economics
• +7 more

Gaetana Mazzeo is an Associate Professor of General and Applied Entomology at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania. She specializes in Apidology, integrated pest management, and biodiversity conservation, with a focus on pollinators, citrus pests, and anthophilous insects. Her research spans ecological studies in natural and anthropogenic environments, pesticide side effects on natural enemies, and conservation of the Sicilian honeybee subspecies Apis mellifera siciliana . Education: PhD in Agricultural Entomology (1994, University of Naples); Laurea in Agriculture (1986, University of Catania). Roles: President of Food Science and Technology degree course (2023–present), Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (2014–2018), Deputy Director of Phytosanitary Sciences and Technologies (2008–2010). Research Projects: APESLOW (reintroduction of native honeybee subspecies), BEENET (environmental monitoring with bees), DI.OL (pest control in olive crops), FAIR/PHOCUS (scale insect management in Mediterranean forests). Her work addresses ecological challenges in citrus and olive crops, urban green spaces, and protected natural areas, documented in over 160 publications. She collaborates with scientific societies such as AISASP-IUSSI and Entomology Italian Society, and is affiliated with the Accademia dei Georgofili and CUTGANA.

• Agricultural Entomology
• Apidology
• Integrated Pest Management
• +6 more

Salvatore Guarino is a Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR-CNR) , Division of Palermo, Italy. With a PhD in Entomology from the University of Palermo (2007), his career has focused on chemical ecology of insect pests, biological control, and sustainable management of stored product pests. Born in Palermo (Italy) on 19.02.1977 Current affiliation: IBBR-CNR, Palermo Email: salvatore.guarino@cnr.it | salvatore.guarino@ibbr.cnr.it Research Themes include: Chemical ecology of semiochemicals in pest-insect interactions Biological control via parasitoid wasps and microbial VOCs Essential oils as eco-friendly insecticides Palm weevil monitoring (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) Plant volatile responses to multiple biotic stresses Historic library biodeterioration by ptinid beetles Publication Trends reveal a focus on 2024: Parasitoid wasp taxonomy and bookworm control 2023-2024: Methyl salicylate/lmonene efficacy, pheromone synergism 2022: Essential oil composition against stored pests 2013: Invasive species' ecosystem impacts International Collaborations span: Volcani Center (Israel) - Chemical ecology Wageningen University (Netherlands) - Chemical communication training Natural Resource Institute (UK) - Insect behavior Key Techniques employed: GC-MS, Electroantennography, Y-Olfactometry, X-bug behavioral software, Potter tower assays.

• Chemical Ecology
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• Biological Control of Insect Pests
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Salvatore Nucifora is an Assistant Professor in General and Applied Entomology at the University of Catania, where he has been since 1996. His research focuses on the systematics of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) , agricultural crop protection from pests, and entomophilous pollination of greenhouse vegetables. University: University of Catania Department: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Buildings and Territory Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Research Interests Taxonomy and faunistics of armored scale insects Development of integrated and biological control strategies in Mediterranean agricultural and forest ecosystems Entomophilous pollination of greenhouse crops Teaching Agricultural, Forestry, and Aquaculture Zoology Agricultural Entomology Crop Protection Methods Applied Zoology and Entomology Forestry Entomology Leadership & Collaborations Scientific director of the Di3A - SiMuA entomological collections Collaborates with the Department's teaching and research activities Office hours: Tuesday and Wednesday (9:00–11:00) in room C1/14

• Taxonomy of Scale Insects
• Agricultural Pest Management
• Biological Control Strategies
• +4 more

Antonio Gugliuzzo is a Research Fellow at the University of Catania , Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), where he focuses on sustainable pest management strategies. He earned his PhD in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science (2022) with the Doctor Europaeus certification and was awarded the Michele Stanca Award 2024 for the Best PhD Thesis in AGR/11 by AISSA. His academic appointments include postdoctoral research in EU-China ADOPT IPM projects (2023–ongoing), a DAAD Research Grant (2021), and prior roles as a research collaborator in agronomy and toxicology studies (2018–2019). Education : PhD in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science (University of Catania, 2022) Master's in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies LM69 (University of Catania, 2017) Research Focus : Entomology and invasive pest management Biological control of Xylosandrus beetles Impact of insecticides on parasitoids Microbial symbioses in pest control Climate change adaptation in agricultural ecosystems Notable Trends in Publications : Developed fungicide strategies against fungal symbionts of ambrosia beetles Investigated sublethal effects of insecticides on beneficial insects Documented novel fungal pathogens transmitted by pests Explored eco-friendly IPM tools in greenhouse crops Systematically reviewed biocontrol methods for invasive beetles Scientific Awards : Editor of Distinction Award (Springer Nature, 2025) Presentation Award for Young Scientists (ICE2024Kyoto, 2024) Best PhD Thesis (AISSA, 2024) ESA Program Enhancement Funds (2022) DAAD Research Grant (2021) Editorial Roles : Associate Editor, Guest Editor, and Peer Reviewer for journals like Neotropical Entomology , Agricultural and Forest Entomology , and Frontiers in Microbiology Professional Experience : Post-Doc (2023–ongoing): Biological control of invasive pests in greenhouse crops DAAD/Erasmus+ (2021): Research on multi-mutualistic interactions in German forests

• Entomology
• Ecology
• Toxicology
• +5 more

Antonio Carapelli is a Full Professor at the University of Siena's Department of Life Sciences, where he teaches courses including Eukaryotic Genomics and Genetic Variation (Master's in Biology), Molecular Applied Zoology (Master's in Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Quality), and Zoology (Bachelor's in Biological Sciences). His office hours are held on Tuesdays, and he can be contacted via email or phone. His research, conducted through the Evolutionary and Systematic Zoology Laboratory, spans evolutionary zoology, genomics, and biodiversity conservation , with a focus on molecular mechanisms in insects and environmental health. Key areas include: Insect-mediated biodegradation processes Population genetics of Antarctic species Genomic analysis of invasive beetles Integrated pest management strategies His recent publications (2024–2025) predominantly explore genetic adaptation in insects , with emphases on invasive species control, environmental biodegradation, and polar ecosystem resilience. No awards or supervised students are documented.

• Evolutionary Zoology
• Genomics
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +2 more

Giuseppe Pellegrino is an Associate Professor in General Botany (BIO/01) at the Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, where he has been a faculty member since 2001. He leads the research section on Biosystematics, Conservation, Botany in Cultural Heritage, and Plant Ecology within the Plant Biology Research Group. His academic career includes serving as a tenured researcher before being promoted to Associate Professor in 2018. He is actively involved in teaching undergraduate courses in Botany and Forensic Biology and holds institutional roles such as Rector’s Delegate for Sports and President of the University Sports Committee. PhD in Molecular Systematics, University of Naples Federico II (2001) MSc in Biological Sciences, University of Calabria (1992) Giuseppe Pellegrino's research focuses on the evolutionary and ecological aspects of plant diversity, particularly in Mediterranean orchids. His work integrates molecular genetics, reproductive biology, and conservation science to study hybridization, speciation, pollination mechanisms, and genetic diversity in wild plant populations. He investigates how pre- and postzygotic barriers, pollinator specificity, and environmental factors influence plant adaptation and diversification. His research also extends to the conservation of rare and endangered species, using phylogeographic and population genetic approaches. Additionally, he applies botanical knowledge to cultural heritage by studying biodeteriogenic flora on historical buildings. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in orchid biology, pollination ecology, and climate change impacts on plant reproduction. He frequently studies Serapias, Dactylorhiza, and Anacamptis orchids, examining pollinator diversity, floral display effects, and thermal impacts on pollinaria reconfiguration. His work also includes taxonomic contributions and studies on plant biodiversity in southern Italy and trans-Adriatic regions. Giuseppe Pellegrino has been involved in multiple national research projects, including PRIN grants as both associate and principal investigator. He has supervised student research and contributed to academic service through editorial roles in journals such as PLOS ONE and Plant Systematics and Evolution, and as a referee for international funding bodies. He has also organized scientific conferences, including the 4th International Orchid Workshop. He is a member of the Italian Botanical Society and the Botanical Society of Japan and collaborates with institutions in Switzerland, the UK, Israel, Australia, and the Czech Republic. His research is conducted within the BioVeLab at the University of Calabria, where he leads a research section focused on plant systematics, conservation, and cultural heritage botany.

• Plant Evolution
• Molecular Systematics
• Conservation Genetics
• +7 more

Giuseppe Eros Massimino Cocuzza is an Associate Professor of General and Applied Entomology (SSD AGRI-05/A) at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania. Holding a PhD in Agricultural Entomology from the University of Naples 'Federico II' (2000), his academic career spans research fellowships (2001-2005), researcher positions (2006-2021), and a national scientific qualification (2023) enabling his current associate professor role since December 2024. Key research areas: Molecular systematics of aphids, molecular biotechnology applied to insects, control strategies for citrus disease vectors, and entomofauna management in Mediterranean agroecosystems. Teaching roles include Entomological Biotechnologies (2011-2021) and Biotechnologies and Arthropods (2024-25). He has authored/co-authored 75+ publications (Scopus h-index 12) and contributed to 13 international book chapters, focusing on sustainable pest control and climate change impacts on citrus ecosystems. His scientific awards include a prestigious 2000 scholarship from the Italian Plant Protection Association. Research projects: PON POFACS (2014-2020), LIFE VIDA FOR CITRUS (2018-2022), Horizon 2020 VIRTIGATION (2018-2022), PRIN Bio-inspired Plant Protection (2022), and industry collaborations with Corteva and DowAgroSciences. Professional roles: Organizer of international conferences (IOBC/WPRS Citrus Control 2009, XXXVII Italian Biogeography Congress 2008), invited speaker at 15+ national/international events (2013-2024), and thesis supervisor for 34 students.

• General and Applied Entomology
• Molecular Systematics of Aphids
• Molecular Biotechnology Applied to Insects
• +3 more

Donato Antonio Grasso serves as a Full Professor in the Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences at the University of Parma. He has maintained continuous teaching appointments since the 2014/2015 academic year across Bachelor's programs in Natural and Environmental Sciences and Quality and Supply of Raw Materials for the Agri-Food Industry, as well as Master's programs in Ecology and Ethology for Nature Conservation. His research spans critical domains in zoological sciences with emphasis on: Ant and bee behavioral ecology Chemical communication systems (pheromones) Pathogen transmission dynamics between social insects Conservation applications through artificial habitat design Sustainable agricultural interventions for olive cultivation Professor Grasso's 2024 publications reveal an integrated research trajectory combining laboratory innovation (3D-printed nests, pheromone analysis) with field applications. His work demonstrates how fundamental entomological research directly addresses agricultural challenges like pest control and pollinator conservation, particularly through novel methodologies for studying arboreal ant communities and interspecific disease vectors. He actively mentors students through teaching assignments including Animal Biodiversity, Ethoecology and Sociobiology, and General Zoology across multiple cohorts. His current responsibilities for the 2025/2026 academic year include delivering Animal Biodiversity courses for both Bachelor's programs in Natural and Environmental Sciences and Quality and Supply of Raw Materials for the Agri-Food Industry. Professor Grasso's laboratory operations focus on experimental entomology with specialized capabilities in artificial nest construction, chemical ecology analysis, and pathogen surveillance across insect communities. His team's development of 3D-printed oak gall nests represents a significant methodological advancement for studying ant-plant interactions in agricultural ecosystems.

• Zoology
• Ethology
• Ecology
• +3 more

Maurizio Cornalba is a Full Professor at the Department of Mathematics, University of Pavia, within the Algebra and Geometry research group. His work bridges algebraic geometry and ecological studies, with contributions to moduli spaces and biodiversity conservation. Active across disciplines, he has authored foundational texts like *Geometry of Algebraic Curves* and pioneered research on bumblebee distribution shifts under climate change. Research interests include algebraic curves, moduli theory, and pollinator ecology. Recent work focuses on alpine insect biodiversity and climate-driven species range dynamics. His mathematical contributions address complex structures in geometry and topology, while ecological studies emphasize conservation strategies for cold-adapted species. Publications span over four decades, with key contributions in *Inventiones Mathematicae*, *Journal of Algebraic Geometry*, and entomological journals. Engages in interdisciplinary projects linking pure mathematics to ecological applications, such as DNA barcoding for species identification.

• Algebraic Geometry
• Moduli Spaces
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +3 more

Angela Roggero is a Contract Professor in the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology at the University of Turin, specializing in zoology with a focus on entomology. Her academic work centers on the study of dung beetles and other insects, employing morphometric, physiological, and ecological approaches. Dr. Roggero's research interests span multiple areas of zoological science. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of dung beetle morphology, particularly regarding horn allometry, sexual dimorphism, and thermal adaptation. Her work integrates morphometrics with evolutionary biology, examining how physiological traits, environmental factors, and morphological characteristics interact in insect populations. She has also published on broader topics including thermal biology, water balance mechanisms, and the effects of human activity on wildlife. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on the physiological and morphological adaptations of dung beetles to environmental stressors, particularly temperature and desiccation. Her research employs sophisticated morphometric techniques to analyze shape variations across species and populations. While primarily focused on coleopterans, her work extends to other taxa including birds and mammals, demonstrating interdisciplinary breadth in her approach to zoological research. Dr. Roggero maintains an active research profile with consistent publication output, collaborating extensively with colleagues including Palestrini C., Rolando A., and Barbero E. Her work appears in reputable journals across ecology, entomology, and evolutionary biology.

• Entomology
• Zoology
• Dung Beetle Research
• +5 more

Anna Maria Pappalardo is an Associate Professor of Comparative Anatomy and Cytology (BIO/06) at the University of Catania, Italy, where she is a member of the Animal Biology section within the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences. Her office is located at Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, with office hours held on Fridays from 11:00 to 13:00 by appointment via email. Dr. Pappalardo earned her doctoral degrees with two significant theses: her first in 2006 focused on Intraspecific variation in the killifish Aphanius fasciatus , and her second in 2012 on DNA Barcoding and Molecular Biodiversity: Case Studies in the Fisheries Sector . Her research program bridges comparative anatomy, cytology, and molecular genetics to address practical challenges in marine biology and food safety. She specializes in DNA barcoding techniques for species identification, particularly in seafood products, with emphasis on detecting mislabeling and fraud in the seafood industry. Dr. Pappalardo has developed the COIBar-RFLP method as an efficient molecular approach for species authentication in processed seafood products, with applications spanning from fish eggs to sushi verification. Her work integrates morphological analysis with molecular techniques to study fish population genetics and biodiversity. Analysis of her publication record reveals a clear trajectory from fundamental studies of fish population genetics toward increasingly applied research in food safety. Recent work demonstrates expansion into baby food safety concerns and citizen science approaches to monitor seafood mislabeling across Italy. Her research spans marine, freshwater, and even terrestrial ecosystems, with studies on spiders from the Namib Desert showing the versatility of her methodological approaches. Dr. Pappalardo maintains extensive collaborations both within Italy (particularly with V. Ferrito, C. Ferrante, and S. Saccone) and internationally with researchers from Portugal, Croatia, Namibia, and other Mediterranean countries. She teaches courses at the University of Catania, including Cell Biology as noted in department announcements from March 2020.

• DNA Barcoding
• Molecular Biodiversity
• Fish Species Identification
• +5 more