Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria

We have a range of projects available for Honours in Entomology in 2025, including this one in our Insects Research Group - SIRG!

Online applications for admission to the BScHons Entomology programme in 2025 close on 30 September 2024: https://www.up.ac.za/online-application

Applications from outside the University of Pretoria are welcome!

Join us for Honours in Entomology in 2025!

Our programme is the next step in your career towards becoming an accredited, professional entomologist. We pride ourselves on the quality and rigour of our research training, with many of our graduates publishing the results of their Honours projects.

Applications from outside the University of Pretoria are welcome!
Online applications for admission to the BScHons Entomology programme in 2025 close on 30 September 2024: https://www.up.ac.za/online-application

Join Dr Vinícius da Costa-Silva, a postdoctoral researcher in our Department, to hear his public lecture at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History on how insects help us to solve real crimes!

Congratulations Baldwyn!

Prof Baldwyn Torto, an Extraordinary Professor in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria (UP), was recently inducted into the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) as an International Fellow.

Read more, https://bit.ly/3AZeUlg

Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria
UP Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit
Mammal Research Institute
Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme
ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
National Academy of Sciences
PSANA - University of Pretoria
University of Pretoria
UP_BGM_PG_Social
Social Insects Research Group - SIRG
National Research Foundation
Department of Science and Innovation
FABI

Join us for Honours in Entomology in 2025!

Do you have a BSc degree in which your last year included modules on insect diversity, behaviour, ecology, genetics, physiology or even microbiology? We are interested in receiving your applications and have a range of projects where your knowledge can be applied and expanded to address problems involving insects.

Applications from outside the University of Pretoria are welcome!

Online applications for admission to the BScHons Entomology programme in 2025 close on 30 September 2024: https://www.up.ac.za/online-application

GET TO KNOW OUR GRADUATES!
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Harris Keetse
MSc Entomology

DISSERTATION:
Economic impact and re-establishment of biological control for Gonipterus sp. 2 in Eucalyptus plantations in South Africa
Supervisors: Prof. Brett Hurley, Dr. Michelle Schröder, Dr. Ilaria Germishuizen (ICFR) and Dr. Benice Sivparsad (ICFR)

WHAT WAS YOUR PROJECT ABOUT?
I estimated how much money is lost from Eucalyptus Snout Beetle feeding damage on Eucalyptus plantations and if chemicals can be used together with biological control against this pest.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN FINDING?
As little as 18% removal of Eucalyptus leaves by this pest can lead to up to R29 000 per hectare at harvest, and on small-scale, chemicals can be used together with biological control against this pest.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
I highlighted the importance of this pest and proves that it is possible to use different control measures together which can lead to better control.

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER?
I am currently working for a seed company breeding maize for better tolerance and resistance against pests and diseases amongst other beneficial traits.

FABI

GET TO KNOW OUR GRADUATES!
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Dylan Pullock
MSc Entomology (with Distinction)

DISSERTATION:
Development of novel surveillance tools for rapid detection of citrus psyllids
Supervisors: Prof. Chris Weldon, Prof. Aruna Manrakhan (Citrus Research International) and Prof. Kerstin Krüger (KWS-SAAT Germany)

WHAT WAS YOUR PROJECT ABOUT?
I worked to reduce the time taken to detect citrus psyllid pests by improving yellow sticky trap captures and automating identification.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN FINDING?
Unbaited traps perform just as well as odour baited traps, and tested automated identification systems can quickly process traps with accuracy of over 80%.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
There is no need to pay additional money for odour lures, and the automated identification system processes traps in seconds when a person takes minutes.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS CONSIDERING THE DEGREE YOU JUST COMPLETED?
Take time to build a good working relationship and friendships with your peers. If things go wrong, those peers will help you weather the storm.

FABI

GET TO KNOW OUR GRADUATES!
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Amanda Adlam
PhD (Zoology)

THESIS:
The effects of climate change on freshwater fauna in the lower Olifants River, South Africa
Supervisors: Prof Chris Chimimba and Prof Stephan Woodborne (iThemba LABS)

WHAT WAS YOUR PROJECT ABOUT?
I investigated climate change effects on the Olifants River in the Kruger Park, particularly how water temperature will increase and impact the organisms in the river.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN FINDING?
By the end of the century, daily water temperature may increase by 3.9°C, with some extreme days up to 42°C - hotter than the average bath temperature!

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
These temperatures are too hot for many fish and aquatic insects to survive in and these species dying off will have huge ecological impacts.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR STUDY ORGANISM THAT WILL SHAPE HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE?
These organisms clean our water, protect us from diseases and feed us, and this study has given me more appreciation for the services they provide.

GET TO KNOW OUR GRADUATES!
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Joshua Webber
MSc Zoology

DISSERTATION:
The circadian biology of the vlei rat, Otomys auratus: Flexibility to environmental changes
Supervisors: Dr Marietjie Oosthuizen

WHAT WAS YOUR PROJECT ABOUT?
Evaluating the effect of human induced environmental changes on vlei rat activity patterns.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN FINDING?
Vlei rats are primarily nocturnal in the laboratory, and do not respond to changes in the environment as dramatically as other species.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
This allows us to demonstrate the potential affect of human induced climatic changes on vlei rat behaviour.

WHAT DID YOU REALLY ENJOY ABOUT THE POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME THAT YOU JUST COMPLETED?
Working with the vlei rats was incredible, animals always bring a smile to my face.

GET TO KNOW OUR GRADUATES!
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Marizanne Jones
MSc Entomology

DISSERTATION:
Diversity and virulence of the fungus Beauveria (Cordycipitaceae) species associated with Gonipterus sp. n. 2 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in South Africa
Supervisors: Dr Michelle Schröder, Prof Brett Hurley and Prof Bernard Slippers (FABI)

WHAT WAS YOUR PROJECT ABOUT?
My study focussed on finding naturally occurring Beauveria fungal species that can control the invasive Eucalyptus snout beetle in forestry plantations.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN FINDING?
I found natural, novel Beauveria fungal species that show potential to be used as biological control agents against the Eucalyptus snout beetle.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Not only are these species effective against the Eucalyptus snout beetle, they are mostly target specific and not harmful to the environment.

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER?
I will join the Agricultural Research Council as an Entomology Intern to further expand my experience and knowledge.

GET TO KNOW OUR GRADUATES!
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Rivalani Forget Mthombeni
PhD (Zoology)

THESIS:
Molecular epidemiology of African swine fever genotype I and II viruses: insights from genome sequencing
Supervisors: Prof Armanda Bastos, Dr Livio Heath (Agricultural Research Council - Onderstepoort Veterinary Research) and Dr Antoinette van Schalkwyk (Agricultural Research Council - Onderstepoort Veterinary Research)

WHAT WAS YOUR PROJECT ABOUT?
To use next generation sequencing technologies to sequence complete genomes of ASFV genotype I and II from the SADC region.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN FINDING?
I identified the likely origin of Georgia 2007/1 virus and confirmed the presence of genetic diversity for genotype II viruses of African origin.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The data generated provided ASFV genome sequences, assisting in creating an ASF genome database from regions that are under-represented.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS CONSIDERING THE DEGREE YOU JUST COMPLETED?
Not to be intimidated by the amount of time needed to complete data analysis, yes it can be challenging but exciting at the same time.

Agricultural Research Council

GET TO KNOW OUR GRADUATES!
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Nina Parry
PhD (Entomology)

THESIS:
Initial steps for developing large-scale rearing and processing of black soldier flies, Hermetia illucens L., in a start-up bioconversion facility
Supervisors: Prof. Chris Weldon

WHAT WAS YOUR PROJECT ABOUT?
My study examined the effects of different potential steps for developing large-scale rearing and processing of black soldier fly larvae.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN FINDING?
Different steps in the rearing process have different challenges, and the best approach should be the most time and cost-efficient step while also balancing quality.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The interactions in a complex system like rearing of larvae can have unexpected results, and the simplest approach is often best.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS CONSIDERING THE DEGREE YOU JUST COMPLETED?
It will be immensely hard work, but also very satisfying and rewarding.

GET TO KNOW OUR GRADUATES!
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Estefan Pieterse
MSc Zoology

DISSERTATION:
Assessing longitudinal profiles of glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in the baleen of male and female southern right whales (Eubalaena australis)
Supervisors: Prof. Andre Ganswindt (Mammal Research Institute) and Dr. Els Vermeulen (UP Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit)

WHAT WAS YOUR PROJECT ABOUT?
I examined how southern right whales respond to potential stressors by analysing the relationship between stress and reproductive hormone levels.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN FINDING?
There was a strong link between stress hormones and reproductive hormones in female southern right whales.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
It helps us understand how stress impacts their reproductive health. By knowing this, we can better address environmental pressures affecting their reproduction and overall well-being.

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER?
I am currently pursuing a MPhil in Cancer sciences with the hopes of one day combining my love for environmental sciences and passion for health sciences in research based on the One Health approach.

GET TO KNOW OUR GRADUATES!
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Tania Pogue
MSc Entomology (with Distinction)

DISSERTATION:
Environmental and physiological correlates of response by three fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species to commercial lures
Supervisors: Prof. Chris Weldon and Dr Kévin Malod

WHAT WAS YOUR PROJECT ABOUT?
I examined how fruit fly species respond to different commercial lures under different biological and weather conditions.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN FINDING?
Despite being present in the area, fruit flies will not be caught in traps in colder conditions.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
This will help fruit farmers to not underestimate fruit fly presence and potential damage during cold periods, improving fruit fly control and fruit production.

WHAT DID YOU REALLY ENJOY ABOUT THE POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME THAT YOU JUST COMPLETED?
I enjoyed how this programme not only improved my skills as a researcher, but also helped me to build connections between peers and colleagues.

FABI Citrus Academy Citrus Research International

An enormous congratulations to all of our graduates who will be awarded their Bachelors and postgraduate degrees in Zoology, Entomology, and Wildlife Management at 14:30 on Wednesday 4 September 2024. We are so proud of your achievements and to be represented by such an exemplary group of people.

To celebrate, over the next few days we will be posting a series of photos of some of our postgraduates accompanied by a short interview on their research.

* With Distinction

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Adlam, Amanda Laura (Zoology)
Barten, Harm (Entomology)
Bunney, Katherine Mary (Zoology)
Child, Matthew Fairfax (Wildlife Management)
Gwokyalya, Rehemah (Zoology)
Kemp, Ryno (Zoology)
Mthombeni, Rivalani Forget (Zoology)
Parry, Nina Jennifer (Entomology)

MASTER OF SCIENCE ENTOMOLOGY
* Ashmore, Jade Sabrina
* Dacre, Dylan Christopher
Jones, Marizanne
Keetse, Harris Xolane
* Pogue, Tania
* Pullock, Dylan Andrew
* Zaayman, Jacomien

MASTER OF SCIENCE ZOOLOGY
Bucciarelli, Jessica Rose
* Liddle, Nazley
Pieterse, Estefan Petrus
Webber, Joshua Shylock

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
ECOLOGY
Tolken, Christiaan Johannes Daniel

ZOOLOGY
Glanville, Skye Paget

If you want to apply for admission to the BSc Entomology programme in 2025, today is your last chance!

Online applications close 31 August 2024

There are more species of insects on Earth than any other group of organisms, so there are almost limitless ways to shape a successful career in entomology.

You can safeguard our food by managing pests or protecting pollinators, explore and better understand insect diversity, protect humans and animals from diseases that are transmitted by blood-feeding insects, use insects as evidence to solve crimes, and so much more...

Applications for admission to the BSc Entomology programme in 2025 have been reopened until 31 August 2024.

Apply online to become an entomologist: https://www.up.ac.za/online-application

Breaking news! The Entomological Society of Southern Africa has secured the hosting rights for the 28th International Congress of Entomology, which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa in 2028!

Congratulations to Chris Weldon, the current President of the ESSA, for having brought this large, international event to South Africa. It will shine a light on the important role of entomology in achieving sustainable development here and around the world.

We are excited and delighted to announce that we have successfully bid to host the XXVIII International Congress of Entomology in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2028!
Many thanks to the efforts of our bid committee and delegation, and supporters and partners that helped to make this happen!

Insects are everywhere and are extremely diverse but we know very little about the large majority of described species and many are yet to even be discovered.

Some entomologists devote themselves to exploring and making sense of this enormous diversity, while others work to better understand the cells that certain insects use to see, smell and even hear. There are almost limitless gaps in our knowledge on insects and each can lead to a successful career in entomology.

Applications for admission to the BSc Entomology programme in 2025 are open until 31 August 2024.

Apply online to become an entomologist: https://www.up.ac.za/online-application

Photo credit: Chris Weldon (taken with an iPhone while hiking near Pretoria or doing fieldwork)

Meet Nolwandle Khumalo, a PhD candidate in our research group whom's work focuses on understanding how microbial exchange between bees and flowers during pollination.

Mosquito sampling in Jabi Tehnan district, Ethiopia, detected mostly Anopheles arabiensis, but this species comprised only 40% of individuals testing positive for the parasite that causes malaria. Other less abundant species, most of which occur only outside human residences, comprised the remaining mosquitos with the potential to spread malaria.

Published in Scientific Reports by Aklilu Belay, Catherine Sole, Abdullahi Yusuf and their colleagues at ICIPE, suggest a constraint on effective malaria prevention and control due to the potential for outdoor mosquito bites leading to infection.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-64436-3

Photo credit: CDC / James Gathany

Introducing Masilo Maupi who's a Masters candidate in our research group doing her research on meal worms rearing from low grade moisture, a fun project with an exciting road ahead, let's put the spotlight on Masilo as a feature on our women's month series.

Acclimation at 20 or 30 °C for 4 days before being released does not affect dispersal of the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) but reduced the number of recaptures in comparison with a 25 °C control group.

Reported by a team including Chris Weldon in an open access article in Insect Science, these results show that there are specific abiotic conditions (cold/hot and dry) in which trap captures will be reduced, which may therefore bias estimates of wild population size.

http://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7917.13435

Meet Eloise Butcher, a brilliant MSc candidate in our research group, who is diving deep into the buzzing world of honeybee communication! 🐝✨

Her research is uncovering the intricate cues male honeybees, known as drones, use to communicate—and how pesticides might be disrupting their vital chemical signals.

Stay tuned as Eloise sheds light on the unseen language of bees and its crucial role in our ecosystem. 🌍🔬

As we continue with our weekly women's month celebrations, we feature Jabulile Mzizi whom is a Masters student in our research group doing research on the ectoparasite-Varroa destructor, a destructive parasite as the name suggests. An interesting research project please Read more on the shared slide about Jabulile's research.

There are more species of insects on Earth than any other group of organisms, so there are almost limitless ways to shape a successful career in entomology.

You can safeguard our food by managing pests or protecting pollinators, explore and better understand insect diversity, protect humans and animals from diseases that are transmitted by blood-feeding insects, use insects as evidence to solve crimes, and so much more...

Applications for admission to the BSc Entomology programme in 2025 have been reopened until 31 August 2024.

Apply online to become an entomologist: https://www.up.ac.za/online-application

A web application, called Psyllid Detector, can automate the identification of psyllid vectors of citrus diseases on yellow sticky trap images.

Developed by a team including Dylan Pullock, Chris Weldon, Kerstin Krüger, and supported by Citrus Research International, this application can save time and resources to detect citrus psyllid and facilitate informed decisions about pest control measures, ultimately leading to increased crop yield and profitability.

Read more about Psyllid Detector in the article published in Applied Engineering in Agriculture.

https://doi.org/10.13031/aea.15826

Meet Translational Evolutionary Biologist, Dr Daniel W Hart - Emerging Researcher Award Winner When Dr Daniel Hart first entered university, he was only there to play sport. Gradually though, he was drawn further and further into biological research by...

We are painting Mamelodi Yellow Tommorow, 21 Aug 2024 , as we will be doing more awareness on honey bees with of course our esteemed research group women at Mamelodi Campus alongside Scienza.

Do join us