My PhD research looks at what factors might be influencing variable warning signals in Amata nigriceps wasp moths. My research includes:

• Historical variation using 120yrs of museum collections and contemporary variation using 4 yrs of freshly collected specimens

• How temperature during larval rearing affects signal expression in adult moths

• Sexual dimorphism and differences in toxicity and chemical defences between female and male moths

• How season and environmental background complexity influences survival of aposematic prey

• Intergrated systematics and taxonomy of Amata nigriceps
  
  

I'm the Research Officer for a collaborative project with Macquarie University and Hort Innovation Australia. Our research team includes insect and microbiology experts, working to create a broad-spectrum probiotic to help honeybees increase resistance to common hive pathogens, such as chalkbrood and foulbrood. 

With 65% of Australian agricultural crops dependent on pollination for success, strong honeybee health means strong food security for all Australians!

Find out more here: https://sites.google.com/view/aussiepollinatorhealth 

I'm really keen to to a systematic resolution of the Amata genus in Australia - the first Australian Amata was described in 1775, and we still don't have a clear idea of who they all are!

There are currently 69 descriptions of Amata moths around the country, that fall under 39 defined species and it's super hard to identify most of them.

A genus revision will involve integrated systematics of all the species, which includes morphological descriptions, combined with genetic species delimitations.

How can genital dissections be used to understand Australian moth biodiversity? Find out how here: https://sites.google.com/view/aussieamatamoths/home