Here we used the generalist entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium to compare the disease resistance of a species of a weaver ant, Polyrhachis dives, which has lost the metapleural gland, with that of the well-studied leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex echinatior and two other ant species, Myrmica ruginodis and Formica fusca, all of which have metapleural glands.
It appears that the evolutionary loss of the metapleural gland does not result in reduced disease resistance in P. dives weaver ants, and that this at least in part may be due to the ants having antimicrobial venom and high self-grooming rates. The results therefore emphasise the importance of multiple, complementary mechanisms in the disease resistance of ant societies.
I am back from co-supervising students on the Ecology field trip. Projects this year have included the colony founding success of Polistes wasps, central foraging theory and Wild boar ecology. Altogether making this year really exciting with a lot of ideas for development next year!
Back from co-supervising the 2010 Ecology field course in Spain. With MSc and Bsc projects ranging from oil beatle behaviour to Messor ant aggression, its been a great trip with all the students doing really well!
”In a three year Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)- funded study PhD student Pete Graystock will screen native and foreign bumblebees as using advanced molecular techniques to identify parasite DNA. They will also investigate the affects of parasites on bee health.
PhD: I’ve embarked on a 3.5 year research PhD investigating pathogen spillover from commercial bumblebees colonies to native bees. Based at the University of Leeds with Dr William Hughes, the work will be done in partnership with the bumblebee conservation trust.
A week living in a hut in the middle of the Amazon, surrounded by insects…my idea of heaven!!