Research Summary

Our model, the marine midge Clunio marinus (Diptera: Chironomidae), has synchronized reproduction with the tides by means of circalunar and circadian clocks. While suitable tidal situations recurs invariably at a given location, the timing of the tides changes along the coastline. Reproductive timing of Clunio populations from different places is genetically adapted to the local pattern of the tides.

We exploit these adaptations for genetic mapping, genome screens and comparative molecular analysis in order to identify the genes underlying timing adaptations and eventually the molecular basis of circalunar clocks.