There is a lab in the University of Kentucky that smells like Christmas. This is where biology assistant professor Catherine Linnen conducts her research.

On Thursday, Linnen spoke about genetic variation caused by the environment. She is researching how insects called pine sawflies vary genetically based on their environment.

Her lab is filled with pine tree seedlings to feed and conduct experiments on these sawflies. Linnen is studying the color of the larvae and the body types and egg-laying patterns of mature females, she said.

Pine sawflies have different colors based on various factors. Surviving against predators and parasites is a major factor of this coloration. Some sawflies are white to camouflage themselves with the white-colored pine they live on. Others have spots to make it harder for parasites to penetrate their skin.

Linnen bred many species of pine sawflies and sped up the process by artificially hatching the eggs to be able to conduct her research faster, she said.

Pine sawflies mate on a host pine tree. The female then digs holes in pine needles to lay her eggs inside.

Linnen found that the smaller the pine leaf, the smaller the sawfly's body is and the fewer eggs it lays, she said.

She also found genetic differences occurred most based on the host plant, she said. Linnen studied geographic, historical and biological factors, and none had the same impact on genetic variation as the type of plant eaten.

Andrew Corbin, quantitative biology doctoral student, attended Linnens lecture and said he was especially interested in the dynamic between the host and parasite.

Biology senior Gavin Verdier said hes interested in the human genetics implications of this research. He said it was refreshing to do something without a grade attached and to hear different experts speak on a subject.

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Assistant professor delivers genetic variation research on pine sawflies - UTA The Shorthorn