Impact of insect predation on cochineal biological control

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. While the immature life stages of the insects have some limited mobility, the mature egg-laying females are sessile. As a result, all life stages are vulnerable in the field to predation by native Australian insects such as Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Lacewing larvae. This project would be a lab-based study to investigate Lacewing predation dynamics on 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