The Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Insects (LABIMI) of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) has dedicated himself, since 1997, to the study of insect vectors of pathogens that cause tropical diseases.

Our research lines focus on molecular and evolutionary genetics of behavior, mainly in mosquitoes (with emphasis on Aedes aegypti), but also in sandflies and kissing bugs.

Researchers are investigating the possible role of genes that control behavior in the response process to biotic and abiotic factors, as well as in reproductive isolation mechanisms and virus-host interactions. 

LABIMI has focused its activities on six main aspects: 

1. Investigation of characteristics that vary with circadian rhythms and their molecular bases, to search for possible targets for alternative control strategies;  

2. Study of other biological rhythms related to vectorial capacity;  

3. Study of reproductive behavior in male mosquitoes;  

4. Effects of light pollution on the fitness of Aedes aegypti;

5. Production of educational and recreational materials for training and subsequent use of this material by education and health professionals.

6. Scientific dissemination actions in public and private schools. 

Head of the Insect Molecular Biology Laboratory 
Rafaela Vieira Bruno (Curriculum lattes) 

Deputy Head of the Molecular Biology of Insects Laboratory 
Luciana Ordunha Araripe (Curriculum lattes)