Little blog article on my last little expedition. An ongoing work with Barbara van Asch. 🇿🇦
High-quality genome assembly of the termite Amitermes hastatus: the Black mound termite, a key decomposer of fynbos biome. Sequenced for the #1KSA project with
DIPLOMICS
🧬 #Genomics #Biodiversity #DNA
www.1ksa.org.za/species-card...
We organized a workshop on the link between social complexity and invasiveness in arthropods. Lots of interesting discussion. In 2026, we'll review what we've understood and what we've discovered! 🐝🐜🐛
#SocialInsects #Invasiveness #Eusociality #SocialComplexity #Stellenbosch #LifeCycle
🌍 Why is the invasion of Vespula germanica in South Africa so slow compared to other regions?
We shows that two introduced populations occupy different ecological niches, structuring genetic variation and limiting spread. 🧬
🔗 doi.org/10.1111/mec....
#InvasionBiology #PopulationGenomics #Ecology
High-quality genome assembly of Microhodotermes viator: the Southern harvester termite and one of the most influential ecosystem engineers of South Africa’s arid biomes. Sequenced for the #1KSA project with @diplomics.bsky.social. 🧬
#Genomics #Biodiversity #Termites
www.1ksa.org.za/species-card...
2-year Postdoc at CL•I•M•E Lab (Stellenbosch, South Africa) on thermoregulation & climate adaptation. 🌿 R300k/year (tax-free). PhD + strong R/phylo/meta/Bayesian skills needed. 📊
Info: climelab.net/opportunities/
New music video from my band 🎵
youtu.be/EVxt5FTFzIY?...
Great time at the #IUSSI french section talking about invasivness and social complexity! 🐜🐝🦟
Thanks for organizing this!
I presented my poster at the #ESEB2025 !
📢 Call for entomologists🐝 We are looking for Vespula germanica from Europe to further our understanding of the invasion dynamics of the species. Please get in touch!
Amitermes hastatus plays a significant role in South African biodiversity as a key decomposer in the fynbos biome, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
The Southern harvester termite is ecologically important in South African arid and semiarid ecosystems, particularly the Succulent Karoo and Nama Karoo biomes.
Between vineyards and desert: one termite, two species? 🏜️
A fieldwork story about South Africa’s southern harvester termite.
@damsgergonne.bsky.social
insectessociaux.wordpress.com/2026/05/19/b...
#SocialInsects #Termites #Africa #Evolution
@damsgergonne.bsky.social received the Young Researcher Prize from the French
-speaking section of the IUSSI and gave a talk about the invasion of Vespula germanica. Congratulations, Damien! 🥇
Damien Gergonne
By Damien Gergonne, postdoctoral fellow in Stellenbosch University’s Genetics Department (Insect & Fungi team) and Mathematics Department (Biomath group). Last research in Insectes Sociaux, als…
