Novel approaches to detecting ecological interactions involving beneficial invertebrates

How do natural enemies decide when it's safe to attack a hoverfly? Hoverflies and their natural enemies are beneficial insects in agricultural systems, but antagonistic interactions between them may affect their role in biological control of pests, and pollination. In order to understand these interactions better, the rotation student will be involved in on-going experiments using wild and captive birds, and/or jumping spiders, to assess predator responses to 3D printed models of mimetic and non-mimetic hoverflies and their aposematic "models" (wasps and bees). The student will learn about 3D imaging and morphing techniques, and the use of additive manufacture to create life-size models of real and imaginary insect phenotypes. The project will provide the student with experience of fieldwork, experimental design, characterisation of animal behaviour, and statistical analysis. Depending on precise timing, there may be opportunities to travel to undertake laboratory experiments at Newcastle University, or fieldwork at Cambridge University. There may also be opportunities to undertake experiments with human volunteers viewing and interacting with 3D models in virtual reality.