Hermógenes Fernández – Marín, PhD

Investigations include aspects of a) evolution, ecology, behavior, and natural history of fungus-growing ants; in references to the origin of the domestication behavior of the fungus they cultivate, the use of antibiotics and the evolution of castes in between groups. b) Ecology of parasite-host interactions, focusing on the diversity of parasitoids that attack fungal cultivating ants and parasite-parasite interactions. c) Diversity of bees and behavior of honey bees (Apis mellifera).

My studies – Master’s, Doctorate, postdoctoral, and as Researcher – have been focused on describing aspects of the natural history of fungal cultivating ants, and on understanding the principles that govern the ecology and evolution of parasite-parasite interactions and ants. mushroom cultivators. Recently, I am also interested in the dynamics of diseases and problems with the production of honey bees; and in the ecology of communities in the Dry Arch of Panama.

• Fernández-Marín, H., Nash DR, Higginbotham S, Estrada C, Zweden J, d’Ettorre P, Wcislo WT, Boomsma JJ. 2015. Functional role of phenylacetic acid from metapleural gland secretions in controlling fungal pathogens in evolutionarily derived leafcutter ants. Proceedings Royal London Society Biological Series. DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.0212. Highlights by Sciences, Scienceshot.
• Fernández-Marín H, Bruner G, Gómez EB, Nash DR, Boomsma JJ, and Wcislo WT. Dynamic disease management in Trachymyrmex fungus-growing ants (Attini: Formicidae). American Naturalist. 181:571-82.
• Fernández-Marín H, Zimmerman JK, Nash DR, Boomsma JJ, and Wcislo WT. 2009. Reduced biological control and enhanced chemical pest management in the evolution of fungus-farming in ants. Proceedings of the Royal London Society B. 276: 2263-2269. Recomendado por F 1000.
• Fernández-Marín H, Zimmerman JK, Rehner SA, and Wcislo WT. 2006. Active use of the metapleural glands by ants in controlling fungal infection. Proceedings of the Royal London Society B. 273: 1689-1695.
• Fernández-Marín H, Zimmerman JK, and Wcislo WT. 2006. Acanthopria and Mimopriella wasp parasitoids (Diapriidae) attack Cyphomyrmex fungus-growing ants (Formicidae, Attini). Naturwissenschaften 93: 17-21.
• Fernández -Marín H, Zimmerman JK, and Wcislo WT. 2004. Historical and ecological traits of nest establishment in fungus-growing ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Attini). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 81: 39-48.