Anita Giglio

Anita Giglio is an Associate Professor of Zoology in the Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences at the University of Calabria, Italy. She leads the Laboratory of Morpho-Functional Entomology and is actively involved in research, teaching, and academic service. Her affiliations include the Unione Zoologica Italiana (where she serves as Secretary-Treasurer from 2018–2025) and the Italian Society of Entomology.

She earned a BSc in Biology (1995) and a PhD in Animal Science (2000), both from the University of Calabria. She conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Calabria, Trieste, Cagliari, Kiel (Germany), and Münster (Germany).

Her research focuses on the morpho-functional adaptations of insects, particularly in response to environmental stressors. Key areas include:

• Comparative morpho-functional physiology and homeostasis in insects
• Immunological and physiological responses to anthropogenic stressors such as pesticides and heavy metals
• Interspecific interactions (predation, parasitism, mutualism) in relation to host microbiomes
• Monitoring wild pollinator biodiversity in collaboration with the Sila National Park and local farms

She employs advanced techniques such as electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), X-ray tomography, electrophysiology, and biochemical analyses.

Her recent publications (2024–2025) reflect a strong trend in ecotoxicology, insect immunity, pollinator conservation, and morphological adaptations. These works investigate the impacts of herbicides, microplastics, and metals on model insects like Tenebrio molitor, Apis mellifera, and Tribolium castaneum, using cellular and molecular approaches to assess environmental risk.

Her scientific recognitions include:

• Regione Calabria Young Researcher Support Programme (1996-1997)
• ERASMUS Visiting PhD Student at the University of Kiel (1999)
• PRIN-MIUR Young Researcher Award (2007)
• Participation in the BioDiNet biodiversity conservation network (2007–2013)

Anita Giglio has supervised undergraduate and graduate theses and doctoral dissertations. She is a member of the doctoral college in Life Science and Technology and the teaching committee for the Biology and Biotechnology program. She teaches courses in Zoology, Entomology, and Animal Behavior, and has contributed to teacher training programs. She has organized major scientific meetings, including the Unione Zoologica Italiana annual meetings (2002, 2018, 2021, 2023) and the Italian Association of Developmental and Comparative Immunobiology (2019).

She leads the Morpho-Functional Entomology research group, which investigates insect responses to environmental pollutants and ecological interactions using morphological, molecular, and imaging techniques. The group collaborates with national parks and farms to monitor biodiversity and assess ecosystem health.