Flavio Roces

Prof. Dr. Flavio Roces is a behavioral physiologist and research group leader at the Department of Zoology II, University of Würzburg. He specializes in the social organization of ant colonies, focusing on decision-making mechanisms, behavioral plasticity, and collective behaviors in leaf-cutting and nectar-feeding ants.

• University: University of Würzburg
• School: Biocenter
• Department: Department of Zoology II
• Academic Rank: Professor

His research bridges individual ant behavior with colony-level functions, combining laboratory physiology with field ecology. Key themes include:

• Decision-making energetics in foraging and digging
• CO2 sensing for fungal symbiosis regulation
• Nest construction dynamics and climate control
• Olfactory learning in plant avoidance
• Division of labor and information flow

Recent publications (2023–2009) explore feedback mechanisms in leaf-cutting ants, micromorphology of nest turrets, and thermal response plasticity. These span subfields like behavioral physiology, chemical ecology, and insect architecture.

His lab team includes Senior Scientist Dr. Oliver Geissler and technicians Viviana Cassou Rios and Peter Väth. Research projects are detailed on the Roces lab website.