Dr. Thomas Chouvenc
Associate Professor of Urban Entomology
Dr. Chouvenc‘s research focuses on subterranean termite biology, with a particular interest in the field of evolution of insect societies, termite ecology, and termite control. Dr. Chouvenc’s research focuses on two important termite pest species, the Formosan subterranean termites and the Asian subterranean termites. Both species are invasive to Florida and have a major economic and ecological impact, especially in South Florida. Using these two species as a model, Dr. Chouvenc investigates the basic biology of these termites in order to improve subterranean termite detection and control protocols. Finally, with a strong emphasis on the ecology of subterranean termites, Dr. Chouvenc’s research on behavior, symbiosis, physiology and colony demography of termite has provided a new perspective on the complexity of insect societies and continues improve our understanding of these remarkable pest species. Dr Chouvenc is also the organizer of the UF/IFAS School of Structural Fumigation, the Termite Course for Professionals, and the International Termite Course.
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Research
Termite Ecology and Evolution
Subterranean termite colonies can reach millions of individuals, with a single pair of reproductives: the queen and the king. Dr. Chouvenc investigates how the termite colony invests its resources at different points during the development of the colony. Different aspects are studied: nurturing capacity, flexible developmental pathways, and differential investments in castes in aging colonies. This research programs is trying to reveal how termites have been ecologically successful, resilient, invaders, throughout their evolution and radiation.
Termite Hybridization
In 2015, it was discovered that two invasive termite species had the potential for hybridization in South Florida. Dr. Chouvenc ‘s research program investigates what are the attributes of such hybrids to determine their potential threat to structures, and also addresses long term consequences on how gene flow may occur between the two species.
Detection and Control of termites
Dr Chouvenc continues to protocols for early infestation detection, prevention and control of termites in order to limit their impact in urban areas of Florida. There is also a need to determine the expansion zones of invasive termite species and their geographical distribution across Florida, Dr. Chouvenc is involved in updating and improving knowledge of the distribution of termites in the State. https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/termites-in-florida/termite-distribution/
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Extension
School of Structural fumigation
This unique course in the world, held twice a year at the FLREC aims at providing a comprehensive training on structural fumigation. Dr. Chouvenc is coordinating the event that involves manufacturers, distributors, pest management professionals and regulators https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fumigation/
Termite Course for Professionals
This course provides a unique opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge about termite biology, including material usually not covered during pest control conferences. This event will allow anyone in the pest control industry, from the PMPs, to sales reps and technical staffs, to gain a new understanding of what termites are, beyond their pest aspects. This 24 hours workshop will include extensive seminars provided by guest speakers. https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/termitepro/
International Termite Course
This Academic event is held every over year and gather international professors and students from around the world to share the most up to date termite research. This course provides a unique opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge about termite biology with a strong emphasis on ecology and evolution. https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/termite/
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Lab Team
- Alvin Puzio - Termite Lab Manager
- Ron Pipin - Senior Termite Lab Technician
- Tyler Campbell - Termite Rearing Technician
- Johanlyn Gordon - PostDoc
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Education
Ph.D. Urban Entomology, University of Florida 2009
M.S. Animal Behavior and Evolution, University of Paris XIII (France) 2003
B.S. Animal Physiology, University of Burgundy (France) 2001 - Publications
- Videos