Research Interests

Evolutionary history of the ants (Formicidae).

I am interested in the origin and evolution of species, and in particular, how different factors may influence patterns of diversification. More specifically I am interested in how we can use molecular methods and molecular systematics/phylogenetics and ant taxa to address these questions.

Teasing apart the factors that have lead to the prolific diversity of the ants is an active line of research in my lab. From the rise of the flowering plants, associations ants have with other insects and plants, to their microbial community are all potential underlying factors that may have facilitated their ecological dominance in almost all terrestrial ecosystems.

Moreover I am also currently pursuing research focusing on understanding biogeographic patterns and historical processes that have shaped distributions of ants in Australia, within the Neotropics, and between the Nearctic and Neotropics.

Ultimately I am interested in teasing apart the evolutionary history of ants and using this information to better understand the broad-scale evolutionary patterns of life.

Graduate students interested in joining my lab are encouraged to apply to the University of Chicago's Committee on Evolutionary Biology. There are also volunteer and intern opportunities in my lab through the Field Museum of Natural History.

Moreau et al. (2006) Phylogeny of the Ants: Diversification in the Age of Angiosperms. Science 312 (5770): 101-104 (Cover image by C.S. Moreau).

Field Museum Ant Lab (June 2009): Corrie Moreau, Jesse Czekanski-Moir, Frank Azorsa, & Beka Baquiran (Photo by J. Louderman)

Global Ant Project - EOL Biodiversity Synthesis meeting at the Field Museum 2009 (Photo by D. Striley)