My work is mainly centered in Biodiversity and Conservation using a multi-levelled approach with the synergy of systematics, biogeography and phylogeny of Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) as models at higher and regional scales, ecology on tropical and Mediterranean ecosystems and conservation of endangered species.
Using this bio-indicator group as a model for these studies, my main focus is however the ecosystem approach and the use of molecular markers as tools for conservation and the assignment to historical refugial areas in the context of past Climate Changes. Understanding the species' movements and dynamics in the recent past, forecasts can be undertaken for the forecoming changes.


Recently (2009), I have just completed my MSc thesis using a western Mediterranean butterfly species as a model, the Portuguese Dappled White (Euchloe tagis). There, I used both ecological and genetic approaches in the assessment of the true meaning of its proclaimed subspecies, population structure and conservation as well as habitat characterization, preferences and behaviour.
It was entitled Biology and Conservation Genetics  of the Portuguese Dappled White Butterfly (Euchloe tagis, Hübner, 1804) in Portugal (Lepidoptera, Pieridae).

• Molecular phylogeny and DNA barcoding in the meadow-spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera, Cercopidae) and its related species.
• New and interesting Portuguese Lepidoptera records from 2008 (Insecta: Lepidoptera)
• New data on the presence of Streblote panda (Hübner 1820) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) in the Algarve and considerations about the species in Portugal
• New and interesting Portuguese Lepidoptera records from 2007 (Insecta: Lepidoptera)
• Contribution to the knowledge of the Lepidoptera of the Natura 2000 site "Montesinho- Nogueira", Trás-os-Montes, Portugal (Insecta, Lepidoptera).

• MSc - Barcoding the trouble: Are identification-challenging butterflies distinguishable through this revolutionary molecular identification tool?
• MSc - The genetic structure of an iberian endemic butterfly, related to a widespread eurasian species and their contact zone: What underlies their separation?