Gordon Port

I study insects and other invertebrates and have a particular interest in how invertebrates find their food and the impact this has, either good or bad, on us. I have particular interests in insect identification, ecology and behaviour and my research includes managing habitats to improve pollinator diversity and how to manage slug and snail pests.

My work on pests concerns a range of species affecting either crops e.g. slugs and aphids, or livestock and man e.g. mites and mosquitoes. With a better understanding of the factors that affect activity and food seeking it is possible to find more effective ways of managing these pests using biological controls, chemicals etc. For beneficial species such as pollinators and natural enemies of pest species a similar understanding leads to ways to promote their populations and understand their roles. My research group investigates these interactions using a range of ecological and behavioural experimental approaches.