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

511 works between 1978 and 2025
All (511) Journal Article (425) Book Chapter (13) Conference Publication (67) Book (3) Other Outputs (3)

421 - 440 of 511 works

1999

Journal Article

Size of the first spring generation of Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) and winter rain in central Australia

Oertel, Anne, Zalucki, Myron P., Maelzer, Derek A., Fitt, Gary P. and Sutherst, Robert (1999). Size of the first spring generation of Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) and winter rain in central Australia. Australian Journal of Entomology, 38 (2), 99-103. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-6055.1999.00093.x

Size of the first spring generation of Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallengren) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) and winter rain in central Australia

1999

Journal Article

Learning in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): a new look at the behaviour and control of a polyphagous pest

Cunningham, J. P., Zalucki, M.P. and West, S. A. (1999). Learning in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): a new look at the behaviour and control of a polyphagous pest. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 89 (3), 201-207. doi: 10.1017/S0007485399000310

Learning in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): a new look at the behaviour and control of a polyphagous pest

1999

Journal Article

Analysis of long-term light-trap data for Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) in Australia: the effect of climate and crop host plants

Maelzer, D. A. and Zalucki, M. P. (1999). Analysis of long-term light-trap data for Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) in Australia: the effect of climate and crop host plants. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 89 (5), 455-463.

Analysis of long-term light-trap data for Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) in Australia: the effect of climate and crop host plants

1999

Journal Article

Plant latex and first-instar monarch larval growth and survival on three North American milkweed species

Zalucki, M. P. and Malcolm, S. B. (1999). Plant latex and first-instar monarch larval growth and survival on three North American milkweed species. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 25 (9), 1827-1842. doi: 10.1023/A:1020929732223

Plant latex and first-instar monarch larval growth and survival on three North American milkweed species

1999

Journal Article

Season-specific directional movement in migratory Australian butterflies

Dingle, H., Zalucki, M. P. and Rochester, W. A. (1999). Season-specific directional movement in migratory Australian butterflies. Australian Journal of Entomology, 38 (4), 323-329. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-6055.1999.00117.x

Season-specific directional movement in migratory Australian butterflies

1999

Journal Article

Method of handling affects post-capture encounter probabilities in male Hypolimnas bolina (L.) (Nymphalidae)

Kemp, Darrell J. and Zalucki, Myron P. (1999). Method of handling affects post-capture encounter probabilities in male Hypolimnas bolina (L.) (Nymphalidae). Journal of the Lepidopterists Society, 53 (4), 138-141.

Method of handling affects post-capture encounter probabilities in male Hypolimnas bolina (L.) (Nymphalidae)

1999

Book Chapter

Rare Butterflies and theories of Evolution & Ecology

Walter, G. H. and Zalucki, M. P. (1999). Rare Butterflies and theories of Evolution & Ecology. Biology of Australian butterflies. (pp. 349-368) edited by R. L. Kitching, E. Scheermeyer, R. E Jones and N. E. Pierce. Victoria: Collingwood.

Rare Butterflies and theories of Evolution & Ecology

1999

Journal Article

Life tables of the processionary caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich-Schaffer (Lepidoptera : Thaumetopoeidae) at local and regional scales

Floater, G. J. and Zalucki, M. P. (1999). Life tables of the processionary caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich-Schaffer (Lepidoptera : Thaumetopoeidae) at local and regional scales. Australian Journal of Entomology, 38 (4), 330-339. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-6055.1999.00122.x

Life tables of the processionary caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich-Schaffer (Lepidoptera : Thaumetopoeidae) at local and regional scales

1998

Journal Article

Outbreaks of pink wax scale, Ceroplastes rubens Maskell (Hemiptera : Coccidae), on umbrella trees in south-eastern Queensland: Patterns of parasitisation

Loch, A.D. and Zalucki, M.P. (1998). Outbreaks of pink wax scale, Ceroplastes rubens Maskell (Hemiptera : Coccidae), on umbrella trees in south-eastern Queensland: Patterns of parasitisation. Australian Journal of Entomology, 37 (4), 328-334. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-6055.1998.tb01592.x

Outbreaks of pink wax scale, Ceroplastes rubens Maskell (Hemiptera : Coccidae), on umbrella trees in south-eastern Queensland: Patterns of parasitisation

1998

Journal Article

Some factors affecting white stem borer Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) injury to rice

Rubia-Sanchez, EG, Sigit, DW, Nurhasyim, Heong, KL, Zalucki, MP and Norton, GA (1998). Some factors affecting white stem borer Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) injury to rice. Crop Protection, 17 (6), 529-534. doi: 10.1016/S0261-2194(98)00054-4

Some factors affecting white stem borer Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae) injury to rice

1998

Conference Publication

Tolerance, the Cinderella of HPR or tolerance, economic thresholds and IPM for soybeans

Brier, H. B. and Zalucki, M. P. (1998). Tolerance, the Cinderella of HPR or tolerance, economic thresholds and IPM for soybeans. 6th Australisian Applied Entomological Research Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 29 September-2 October 1998.

Tolerance, the Cinderella of HPR or tolerance, economic thresholds and IPM for soybeans

1998

Conference Publication

Trichogramma - their value in heliothis IPM

Scholz, B. C. G. and Zalucki, M. P. (1998). Trichogramma - their value in heliothis IPM. 6th Australisian Applied Entomological Research Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 29 September-2 October 1998.

Trichogramma - their value in heliothis IPM

1998

Conference Publication

Measuring the impacts of Helicoverpa armigera migration on pest management during summer and autumn

Rochester, W. A. and Zalucki, M. P. (1998). Measuring the impacts of Helicoverpa armigera migration on pest management during summer and autumn. 6th Australisian Applied Entomological Research Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 29 September-2 October 1998.

Measuring the impacts of Helicoverpa armigera migration on pest management during summer and autumn

1998

Journal Article

An evaluation of selective Helicoverpa armigera control options in sweet corn

Scholz, B.C.G., Monsour, C.J. and Zalucki, M.P. (1998). An evaluation of selective Helicoverpa armigera control options in sweet corn. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 38 (6), 601-607. doi: 10.1071/EA98050

An evaluation of selective Helicoverpa armigera control options in sweet corn

1998

Conference Publication

DYMEX - general modelling in entomology

Maywald, G. F., Sutherst, R. W. and Zalucki, M. P. (1998). DYMEX - general modelling in entomology. 6th Australisian Applied Entomological Research Conference, Brisbane Australia, 29 September-2 October 1998.

DYMEX - general modelling in entomology

1998

Conference Publication

How should refugia be placed upon the landscape? A modelling study considering pest movement behaviour

Dillon, M., Fitt, G. and Zalucki, M. (1998). How should refugia be placed upon the landscape? A modelling study considering pest movement behaviour. 6th Australisian Applied Entomological Research Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 29 September-2 October 1998. Basel, Switzerland: Birkhaeuser Science.

How should refugia be placed upon the landscape? A modelling study considering pest movement behaviour

1998

Conference Publication

Software for pest management: the CTPM experience

Norton, G., Zalucki, M., Gordh, G. and Room, P. (1998). Software for pest management: the CTPM experience. 6th Australisian Applied Entomological Research Conference, Brisbane Australia, 29 September-2 October 1998.

Software for pest management: the CTPM experience

1998

Journal Article

Effects of egg load on the host-selection behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)

Jallow, M.F.A. and Zalucki, M.P. (1998). Effects of egg load on the host-selection behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae). Australian Journal of Zoology, 46 (3), 291-299. doi: 10.1071/ZO98010

Effects of egg load on the host-selection behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)

1998

Journal Article

Learning in host selection in Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Cunningham, J. Paul, Jallow, Mustapha F. A., Wright, Denis J. and Zalucki, Myron P. (1998). Learning in host selection in Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Animal Behaviour, 55 (1), 227-234. doi: 10.1006/anbe.1997.0600

Learning in host selection in Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

1997

Journal Article

White stem borer damage and grain yield in irrigated rice in West Java, Indonesia

Rubia-Sanchez, E.G., Nurhasyim, Diah, Heong, K.L., Zalucki, M. and Norton, G.A. (1997). White stem borer damage and grain yield in irrigated rice in West Java, Indonesia. Crop Protection, 16 (7), 665-671. doi: 10.1016/S0261-2194(97)00041-0

White stem borer damage and grain yield in irrigated rice in West Java, Indonesia

Current funding

  • 2021 - 2025
    A perimeter defence in Australian processionary caterpillars
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

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
  • 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

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact 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

    A perimeter defence in Australian processionary caterpillars

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) - Helicoverpa armigera interactions: the potential for resistance and tolerance in integrated pest management

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Synergistic interactions between insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong

  • Master Philosophy

    Systematics of the processionally caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Factors shaping butterfly conservation on Australian islands

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Salit Kark

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) - Helicoverpa armigera interactions: the potential for resistance and tolerance in integrated pest management

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Michael Furlong

  • Master Philosophy

    Systematics of the processionally caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Lyn Cook

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biology and ecology of Citrus Blossom Bugs in Avocados

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr James Hereward, Professor Michael Furlong

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Biology and ecology of Citrus Blossom Bugs in Avocados

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr James Hereward, 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

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