Environmental tolerance of cochineal insects

Theme: Ecology genetics and evolution, Zoology and wildlife biology 

Description: Cochineal (Dactylopius spp.) are sap-sucking insects used for the biological control of invasive cacti species in Australia. Four species of Dactylopius have been released in Australia with multiple lineages within each species having been found to specialise in feeding on different cacti species. In the field, however, Dactylopius has been observed to be ineffective in controlling certain populations of cacti. This may be due to a mismatch between Dactylopius lineage and host plant or there may be environmental factors at play. This project would be a lab-based study to investigate how environmental factors might be affecting the field performance and survival of Dactylopius spp.

Additional Information: You will spend a substantial component of your Honours year with associate supervisors from Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Government, based at the Boggo Road EcoSciences Precinct. Your principal supervisor (Gurion Ang) will support your professional development and writing.  

Contact: Dr Gurion Ang