Mikheyev Group - Evolutionary genomics

Our research actually spans may study systems and research questions. But the evolution of honey bee parasites and diseases and is a major focus.

label Research theme

Bioinformatics and bio-mathematical modelling

Evolutionary genetics and genomics

Host-microbe biology

Infection and immunity

Parasitology

domain Division

Division of Ecology and Evolution

contact_support Contact

Sasha Mikheyev

alexander.mikheyev@anu.edu.au

About

Bee projects

Australian bee observation network (ABON)

Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) are parasites that have decimated honey bee populations around the world. Much of our work has involved using the mite-bee relationship to study fundamental processes in evolution, particularly host-pathogen dynamics. These mites were discovered in Australia in 2022 and have now become established. By being the last continent to be invaded, Australia has a unique opportunity to study the impacts of Varroa on honey bees and coevolution between hosts and pathogens more generally. We have launched a citizen science campaign to collect data on honey bees before and after Varroa. You can find more information on the ANU College of Science website. If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen interested in doing a Ph.D. on something bee-related, send Sasha an email.

Other projects

Lord Howe Island stick insect conservation

Working together with Zoos Victoria, we have been engaged in key genetic work on the conservation of the Lord Howe Island stick insect (Dryococelus australis), a critically endangered animal that was exterminated on its home island by rats. It now exists in captivity and on a tiny outcrop near Lord Howe Island. Recently, the rats have been exterminated and there are exciting opportunities to reintroduce the stick insects back to their native habitat.

Awards

Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment, 2022
Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment, 2022
Synthesis Group grant, 2019
Ignition Grant, 2019

Publications

You can see our publications Google Scholar.

Projects

Domesticating Australian native bees for use as alternative pollinators

To address the urgent threat to pollination posed by the establishment of Varroa mites in Australia, which will decimate honey bee populations, we aim to domesticate native Australian bees to use as alternative pollinators.

Theme

Evolutionary genetics and genomics, Behavioural, evolutionary and physiological ecology

Student intake

Open for PhD students

Status

Current

Evolution of Varroa tolerance in feral honey bees

Australian honey bee populations will collapse after the recent establishment of Varroa mites. This project aims to track Varroa invasion and the subsequent evolution or resistance in feral honey bee populations. This is chance to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime natural experiment with national implications.