School of Natural Sciences staff
Contact details +6492136511
Dr Anne Wignall PhD
Senior Lecturer in Zoology and Ecology
Doctoral Supervisor School of Natural SciencesI am a behavioural ecologist who uses invertebrate model systems, particularly spiders and insects, to answer evolutionary questions about the function of behaviour. My key research interests are in predator-prey interactions, animal communication and sexual selection. Recent research programmes focus on the strategies that predators use to hunt their prey, variation in predator behaviour and the evolution of courtship signals. My lab uses diverse field and lab techniques from the disciplines of ecology annd physics and we collaborate closely with theoretical ecologists to develop a holistic understanding of behaviour.
Professional
Contact details
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Location: 01, 56
Campus: Albany
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy - Macquarie University (2009)
Certifications and Registrations
- Licence, Supervisor, Massey University
Research Expertise
Research Interests
Predator-prey interactions
Animal communication
Sexual selection
Evolutionary ecology
Behavioural ecology
Invertebrate biology
Thematics
Resource Development and Management
Area of Expertise
Field of research codes
Animal Behaviour (060801):
Behavioural Ecology (060201):
Biological Sciences (060000):
Ecology (060200):
Invertebrate Biology (060808):
Zoology (060800)
Keywords
Behavioural ecology; predator-prey interactions; courtship; sexual selection; animal communication; laser vibrometry; spiders; insects;
Teaching and Supervision
Teaching Statement
196.101 Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour
199.211 Invertebrate Zoology
199.312 Behavioural Ecology
Graduate Supervision Statement
Recent postgraduate projects include:
- Heshani Edirisinghe (PhD): Biology and behaviour of native and introduced New Zealand ladybirds
- Melissa Caffell (MSc): The influence of personality on predatory behaviour in jumping spiders
Potential postgraduate projects include:
- How do predators assess risk? (MSc or PhD)
- Are predatory strategies innate or learnt? (PhD)
Dr Anne Wignall is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.
Current Doctoral Supervision
Co-supervisor of:
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Reshnu Rajan Sheela
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Doctor of Philosophy
The impact of anthropogenic disturbances on spider communities
Completed Doctoral Supervision
Main Supervisor of:
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2021
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Heshani Edirisinghe
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Doctor of Philosophy
Biology and behaviour of New Zealand ladybirds: Insights into the establishment success of introduced species
Media and Links
Media
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28 Oct 2021 - Online
Science News - article
Assassin bugs tap spiders to distract them before a lethal strike -
28 Jan 2013 - Magazine, Online
Science Magazine article on research
Science Magazine article no research by Joseph Bennington-Castro (ScienceShot): The smooth moves of the male orb-web spider. -
27 Nov 2021 - Other
FunKids Science Weekly - podcast interview
How does the assassin bug calm its prey? Interview with Dan Simpson -
23 Apr 2015 - Online
Jumping spiders: good things come in small package
Blog article for Sciblogs -
20 Dec 2013 - Online
Rocking the webs saves males from becoming dinner
ABC Science. News in Science by Stuart Gary. Online article about research - view more...