Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki
Emeritus Professor

Myron Zalucki

Email: 

Background

The study of insect abundance and distribution.

I am an insect ecologist by "bent" and my students and I work on various applied and basic research areas. We generally take an individuals-process based approach to the study of insect abundance and distribution. We use various "model" systems to ask questions ranging from the effect of host chemistry on oviposition behaviour and early stage caterpillar survival, to the effects of learning on oviposition behaviour at a landscape level and the effects of climate on insect abundance. I prefer to work on Butterfly-plant interactions, particularly Monarchs and milkweeds.

A substantial amount of our applied research has been on the ecology and biology of Helicoverpa spp, the major pest of Australian field crops, and more recently Diamondback moth, a key pest of horticulture.

Availability

Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Ecology Environmental Sciences Zoology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), Australian National University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Griffith University

Search Professor Myron Zalucki’s works on UQ eSpace

528 works between 1978 and 2026
All (528) Book (3) Journal Article (440) Other Outputs (1) Conference Publication (67) Book Chapter (17)

1 - 20 of 528 works

2026

Journal Article

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) responses to Helicoverpa armigera herbivory and simulated herbivory at different crop stages

Volp, Trevor M., Zalucki, Myron P. and Furlong, Michael J. (2026). Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) responses to Helicoverpa armigera herbivory and simulated herbivory at different crop stages. Crop Protection, 203 107567, 107567. doi: 10.1016/j.cropro.2026.107567

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) responses to Helicoverpa armigera herbivory and simulated herbivory at different crop stages

2026

Book Chapter

Processionary Caterpillars: <i>Ochrogaster lunifer</i> , A Cryptic Species Complex

Farrell, Juliane, Hart, Kai, McMullen, Nicole, Uemura, Mizuki, Perkins, Lynda, Walker, Andrew, Cook, Lyn, Battisti, Andrea and Zalucki, Myron P. (2026). Processionary Caterpillars: Ochrogaster lunifer , A Cryptic Species Complex. Australian Moths. (pp. 418-432) GB: CABI. doi: 10.1079/9781800627680.0029

Processionary Caterpillars: <i>Ochrogaster lunifer</i> , A Cryptic Species Complex

2026

Journal Article

Oviposition and larval establishment of three ‘generalist’ noctuids on <scp> <i>Capsicum annuum</i> </scp>

Volp, Trevor M., Quade, Adam D., Zalucki, Myron P. and Miles, Melina M. (2026). Oviposition and larval establishment of three ‘generalist’ noctuids on Capsicum annuum . Austral Entomology, 65 (1) e70058. doi: 10.1111/aen.70058

Oviposition and larval establishment of three ‘generalist’ noctuids on <scp> <i>Capsicum annuum</i> </scp>

2026

Book Chapter

Natural Enemies: Challenges and Responses

New, Tim R., Zalucki, Myron P. and Kitching, Roger L. (2026). Natural Enemies: Challenges and Responses. Australian Moths: A Natural History. (pp. 86-107) CABI International. doi: 10.1079/9781800627680.0006

Natural Enemies: Challenges and Responses

2026

Journal Article

PxMBF2 regulating PxGST2 up-expression involved in the resistance of Plutella xylostella to chlorantraniliprole

Yin, Fei, Chen, Qichun, Ge, Tiancheng, Xiao, Yong, Peng, Zhengke, Wang, Jianxiong, Zalucki, Myron P. and Li, Zhenyu (2026). PxMBF2 regulating PxGST2 up-expression involved in the resistance of Plutella xylostella to chlorantraniliprole. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 216 (Pt 1) 106767, 106767. doi: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106767

PxMBF2 regulating PxGST2 up-expression involved in the resistance of Plutella xylostella to chlorantraniliprole

2026

Journal Article

Advancing towards a sustainable green management system (SGMS) for the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius: a synthesis of traditional knowledge and modern innovations

Hua, Jinfeng, Li, Yanqing, Li, Zongyun, Ma, Daifu, He, Shuyan, Li, Chao, Zalucki, Myron P and Gao, Yulin (2026). Advancing towards a sustainable green management system (SGMS) for the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius: a synthesis of traditional knowledge and modern innovations. Pest Management Science, 82 (4) ps.70556, 2825-2837. doi: 10.1002/ps.70556

Advancing towards a sustainable green management system (SGMS) for the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius: a synthesis of traditional knowledge and modern innovations

2026

Book Chapter

Moths as Pests in Australia

Zalucki, Myron P., Nahrung, Helen F. and Schutze, Mark (2026). Moths as Pests in Australia. Australian Moths: A Natural History. (pp. 361-368) CABI International. doi: 10.1079/9781800627680.0023

Moths as Pests in Australia

2025

Journal Article

Novel genetic association with migratory diapause in Australian monarch butterflies

Hemstrom, William, Freedman, Micah, Zalucki, Myron P. and Miller, Michael (2025). Novel genetic association with migratory diapause in Australian monarch butterflies. BMC Ecology and Evolution, 25 (1) 43, 1-13. doi: 10.1186/s12862-025-02384-w

Novel genetic association with migratory diapause in Australian monarch butterflies

2025

Journal Article

Structural and Functional Insights into Methuselah Genes of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae): Evolutionary Adaptations and Their Responses to Chlorantraniliprole

Zolfaghari, Maryam, Yin, Fei, Shabbir, Samina, Chen, Qichun, Xiao, Yong, Peng, Zhengke, Li, Zhen-Yu and Zalucki, Myron P. (2025). Structural and Functional Insights into Methuselah Genes of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae): Evolutionary Adaptations and Their Responses to Chlorantraniliprole. Insects, 16 (11) 1092, 1092. doi: 10.3390/insects16111092

Structural and Functional Insights into Methuselah Genes of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae): Evolutionary Adaptations and Their Responses to Chlorantraniliprole

2025

Journal Article

Insect biological control: a global perspective

Gontijo, Lessando M., Torres, Jorge B., Abram, Paul K., Alfaro-Tapia, Armando, Arredondo-Bernal, Hugo C., Biondi, Antonio, Cloyd, Raymond A., Costamagna, Alejandro C., Desneux, Nicolas, D'Ottavio, Marie, Furlong, Michael J., Greco, Nancy M., Labbe, Roselyne, Hill, Martin, Lavandero, Blas, Li, Tian-Hao, Lomeli-Flores, Jose R., Lucas, Eric, Messelink, Gerben J., Rocca, Margarita, Rodriguez-Garcia, Marcela, Parra, Jose R. P., Penalver-Cruz, Ainara, Sokame, Bonoukpoe Mawuko, Thackeray, Sean, Urbaneja, Alberto, Vargas, German, Zalucki, Myron P. and Zang, Lian-Sheng (2025). Insect biological control: a global perspective. Entomologia Generalis, 45 (4), 879-904. doi: 10.1127/entomologia/3237

Insect biological control: a global perspective

2025

Journal Article

Land-use effects on aphid-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid food web structure and function

Dong, Zhaoke, Zhang, Xiang, Wu, Qiong, Gagic, Vesna, Tomanovic, Zeljko, Lu, Zhaozhi and Zalucki, Myron P. (2025). Land-use effects on aphid-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid food web structure and function. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 389 109699, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2025.109699

Land-use effects on aphid-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid food web structure and function

2025

Journal Article

Assessing population growth potential of Phytonemus pallidus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) on different strawberry cultivars using group-rearing life table

Ansari-Shiri, Hassan, Hajiqanbar, Hamidreza, Zalucki, Myron P. and Fathipour, Yaghoub (2025). Assessing population growth potential of Phytonemus pallidus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) on different strawberry cultivars using group-rearing life table. Systematic and Applied Acarology, 30 (7), 1223-1232. doi: 10.11158/saa.30.7.5

Assessing population growth potential of Phytonemus pallidus (Acari: Tarsonemidae) on different strawberry cultivars using group-rearing life table

2025

Journal Article

Integrated pest management in pigeonpea: progress and prospects

Volp, Trevor M., Jat, Babu L., Jaba, Jagdish, Zalucki, Myron P. and Furlong, Michael J. (2025). Integrated pest management in pigeonpea: progress and prospects. Journal of Applied Entomology, 149 (4), 661-681. doi: 10.1111/jen.13414

Integrated pest management in pigeonpea: progress and prospects

2025

Journal Article

Field-based evaluation of insecticide effectiveness on Megalurothrips usitatus in Guangdong, China: implications for pest control strategies

Peng, Zhengke, Li, Mengni, Guo, Chaosong, Zheng, Huixin, Wu, Mingyue, Yin, Fei, Xiao, Yong, Wang, Huanhuan, Kong, Xiangyi, Zalucki, Myron P., Xie, Wen and Li, Zhenyu (2025). Field-based evaluation of insecticide effectiveness on Megalurothrips usitatus in Guangdong, China: implications for pest control strategies. Insects, 16 (5) 459, 459. doi: 10.3390/insects16050459

Field-based evaluation of insecticide effectiveness on Megalurothrips usitatus in Guangdong, China: implications for pest control strategies

2025

Journal Article

The post-invasion population dynamics and damage caused by globose scale in Central Eurasia: destiny of wild apricot still at stake

Zhang, Ping, Li, Yifan, Li, Cuihong, Gao, Guizhen, Dong, Zhaoke, Rostami, Elahe, Lu, Zhaozhi and Zalucki, Myron P. (2025). The post-invasion population dynamics and damage caused by globose scale in Central Eurasia: destiny of wild apricot still at stake. Insects, 16 (4) 409, 409. doi: 10.3390/insects16040409

The post-invasion population dynamics and damage caused by globose scale in Central Eurasia: destiny of wild apricot still at stake

2025

Journal Article

Thermal biology of Hypogeococcus pungens (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) explains its variable performance as a classical biological control agent for Harrisia martinii (Cactaceae) in Australia

Ezeh, Angela E., Zalucki, Myron P., Day, Michael D., Taylor, Tamara and Furlong, Michael J. (2025). Thermal biology of Hypogeococcus pungens (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) explains its variable performance as a classical biological control agent for Harrisia martinii (Cactaceae) in Australia. Environmental Entomology, 54 (3), 454-466. doi: 10.1093/ee/nvaf026

Thermal biology of Hypogeococcus pungens (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) explains its variable performance as a classical biological control agent for Harrisia martinii (Cactaceae) in Australia

2025

Journal Article

Crop pest responses to global changes in climate and land management

Ma, Chun-Sen, Wang, Bing-Xin, Wang, Xue-Jing, Lin, Qing-Cai, Zhang, Wei, Yang, Xue-Fang, van Baaren, Joan, Bebber, Daniel P., Eigenbrode, Sanford D., Zalucki, Myron P., Zeng, Juan and Ma, Gang (2025). Crop pest responses to global changes in climate and land management. Nature Reviews Earth and Environment, 6 (4) 5946, 264-283. doi: 10.1038/s43017-025-00652-3

Crop pest responses to global changes in climate and land management

2025

Journal Article

Gut symbionts affect Plutella xylostella (L.) susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole

Yin, Fei, Ge, Tiancheng, Zalucki, Myron P., Xiao, Yong, Peng, Zhengke and Li, Zhenyu (2025). Gut symbionts affect Plutella xylostella (L.) susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 209 106327, 106327. doi: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106327

Gut symbionts affect Plutella xylostella (L.) susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole

2025

Journal Article

The role of host plant resistance as a critical factor for the management of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in strawberry

Ansari-Shiri, Hassan, Hajiqanbar, Hamidreza, Zalucki, Myron P. and Fathipour, Yaghoub (2025). The role of host plant resistance as a critical factor for the management of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in strawberry. Persian Journal of Acarology, 14 (2), 253-262. doi: 10.22073/pja.v14i2.86318

The role of host plant resistance as a critical factor for the management of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) in strawberry

2025

Journal Article

Molecular evidence for the role of the ovipositor of the fall armyworm: where to lay or not to lay?

Xiao, Yong, Lei, Chun-Mei, Yin, Fei, Peng, Zheng-Ke, Zhang, Yong-Jun, Zalucki, Myron P. and Li, Zhen-Yu (2025). Molecular evidence for the role of the ovipositor of the fall armyworm: where to lay or not to lay?. Insect Science, 33 (1), 336-352. doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.13491

Molecular evidence for the role of the ovipositor of the fall armyworm: where to lay or not to lay?

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2024
    Establish Australian economic management thresholds for fall armyworm in maize and sorghum (DAF administered GRDC grant)
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    A perimeter defence in Australian processionary caterpillars
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    HOMED: HOlistic Management of Emerging forest pests and Diseases (Horizon 2020 grant led by Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique)
    Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    The evolution of generalism: why so many polyphagous fruit flies? (ARC Discovery Project administered by Queensland University of Technology)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Integrative blood coagulation research core facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Novel host use by a generalist pest: cotton bollworms and cabbage
    Universities Australia - Germany Joint Research Co-operation Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Assessing animal exposure to urticating caterpillar hairs and developing management strategies to reduce the consequence of foetal abortion in mares.
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Biology and ecology of urticarial Lepidoptera: assessing the burden of urticating hairs and risk of foetal abortion in horses
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    An analysis of fruitspotting in bug activity in avocado crops from fruit-set to harvest
    Horticulture Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Queensland International Fellowship: To move or not to move: the genetics of caterpillar foraging behaviour in a model plant system
    Queensland International Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2012
    High Throughput Genotyping using Paralleled and Miniaturized DNA amplification.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Plant Molecular Genetics and Genomics Facility.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    To move or not to move: Are insect movement strategies driven by plant-induced defenses?
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Putting smells into context: Using in vivo technologies to understand plant-insect odour signalling.
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Controlled Environment Facilities for the Challenges of the 21st Century
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Understanding the control of adult mosquitoes to reduce arbovirus transmission while minimising environmental and public health risk.
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Adoption Study - Improvement of integrated post management of brassica vegetable crops in China and Australia - CS2/1998/089
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    NATIONAL INVERTEBRATE PEST INITIATIVE (NIPI) Use and interpretation of microsatellite loci for studies of population structure in Helocoverpa armigera
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2006
    Review of CP/2001/032: 'Impact and management of Oribius weevils in PNG'; & CP/2002/013: 'Biology, damage levels and control of Red Banded Mango Caterpillar in PNG and Australia'
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 2006
    Travel Award - Kirsten Scott, Myron Zalucki and Andrew Lowe to combine migration data with climate change and crop phonology data to develop artificial neural network models for improved prediction
    Grains Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    Improving the agent selection, release and evaluation process: the role of bioclimatic modelling.
    CRC for Australian Weed Management
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Does The Origin Of Helicoverpa punctigera Populations Explain Their Susceptibility To Agricultural Insecticides?
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Traversing A Treacherous Landscape: Modelling Caterpillar Movement And Behaviour On Whole Plants At Multiple Scales
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Review - Huanglongbing Management for Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia (CP/2000/43)
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 2004
    The Insect-Plant Chemical Ecology Network (IPCEN)
    ARC Seed Funding for Research Networks
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    Development of alternative barriers for protection of wooden structures from termites
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    The development of integrated pest management for Brassica crops in DPRK and its improvement in Australia
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Ecological biogeography of migratory insects: Extending Distribution modelling to species that move
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Plants, Pests and Pollinators: Combining Technologies to Crack the Odour Code
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2003
    Development of Alternative Barriers for Protection of Wooden Structures from Termites
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2005
    Life hanging on a thread; disrupting the structure and function of lepidopteran silking behaviour.
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Beyond the gene: Linking herbivore behaviour to plant defense gene expression.
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2004
    Genetic studies to enhance biological control theory and practice: acacia nilotica and bryophyllum delagoense in Australia
    ARC Collaborative Grant (SPIRT)
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2004
    The role of single odours in setting host selection and oviposition behaviour of heliothis moths: helicoverpa armigera
    ARC Collaborative Grant (SPIRT)
    Open grant
  • 2001
    NEEM Research and Development Partnership
    Yunnan Honghe Guangming Co Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2003
    Understanding the behaviour of egg laying Helicoverpa moths: new designs for integrated control in cotton
    Cotton Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2000
    A spatial phenological model of monarch colonisation of North America
    World Wildlife Fund Canada
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2003
    Ecology of Trichogramma egg parasites in the Ord River irrigation area and their role in cotton IPM
    Cotton Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2003
    Improvement of integrated pest management of brassica vegetable crops in China and Australia
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2000
    The impact of learning in the agricultural pest Helicoverpa armigera
    University of Edinburgh
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Improvement of integrated pest management of Brassica vegetable crops in China and Australia
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Potential Distribution and Abundance of Butterflies and Moths: Testing Bioclimatic Methodologies for Migratory Species
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    VI Australasian Applied Entomological Research Conference
    Horticultural Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Heliothis migration and pest management: effects of movements within and between cropping regions
    Cotton Research & Development Corporation
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2001
    Heliothis migration and pest management: effects of movements within and between cropping regions
    Queensland Department Primary Industries
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Determinants of Behavioural Variability in an Oligophagous Weed Biological Control Agent in Australia
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 1998
    No Guns or Butter: Is there any Benefit to Monarch Larvae in Living on a Toxic Host Plant?
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Ecology and population structure of an endangered lycaenid: life on the razors edge
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1997
    Localised Adaptation between a Specialised Herbivore and its Host Plant: Using Monarchs and Milkweeds to further test an evolutionary hypothesis
    Quality Funds Round 3
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1996
    Forecasting early season red scale abundance
    CRC for Tropical Pest Management
    Open grant
  • 1995
    Travel to Western Michigan University, USA.
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant

Availability

Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki is:
Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Food utilization efficiency in neonates of a polyphagous caterpillar

    Newly hatched caterpillars are a critical stage in the life cycle of butterflies and moths. Yet few studies have assessed how well first instars convert food intake into body mass.

  • Optimal foraging in Lepidopteran larvae - or sabotaging the right meal size

    Caterpillars of the milkweed butterflies have to first sabotage the latex based defense system of their host plant before they can feed. Is the area isolated by vein snipping and trenching behaviour sufficient for a caterpillar to complete an instar?

  • Egg size and survival of first instar caterpillars on host plant

    Species within the Lepidoptera lay eggs of different sizes. Generally the bigger the butterfly the bigger the egg, but not always. Is the survival of neonates on host plants related to initial egg size.

  • Caterpillar foraging when predators are around

    Do caterpillars adjust there feeding behaviour in response to the presence of predators?

  • Pollen feeding in adult Lepidoptera: getting a nitrogen fix

    Many adult butterflies and moths have pollen adhering to their mouth parts. Are they able to utilise the pollen as a food source?

  • Is there empty suitable habitat for plant feeding insects?

    Ever wonder why there is so much greenery that is seemingly not eaten by insect herbivores? Is the food simply not suitable or is it not used for other reasons?

  • Metapopulation dynamics and the matrix revisited

    Do butterflies use the matrix or is it just treacherous landscape?

  • Predicting potential range and abundance of invading species

    How well can we "predict" the range and abundance of species that have recently established in new geographic locations?

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    A perimeter defence in Australian processionary caterpillars

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biology and ecology of Citrus Blossom Bugs in Avocados

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Factors shaping butterfly conservation on Australian islands

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Salit Kark

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Synergistic interactions between insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki directly for media enquiries about:

  • Insect behaviour
  • Insect conservation
  • Insect-plant interactions
  • Pest management

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au