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Maximillian Tercel

(he/him)

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PhD Candidate in Entomology, Cardiff University

I'm an entomologist using DNA metabarcoding techniques to reveal how invasive ants fit into ecological communities. We can use these powerful molecular methods as tools to inform conservation and show fundamental ecological and evolutionary principles working in reality.

Though I've studied and worked on many different invertebrate groups, I specialise in ants. These social insects are integral to tropical ecosystems, have a vast diversity of forms, and the most complex societies of any organism other than humans. Not only that, but they fulfill a myriad of different ecological roles, from soil-movers, to predators, parasites, granivores and fungus-farmers.

Experience

  • 2018–2023
    PhD student, Cardiff University
  • 2023–2023
    Entomologist, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

Education

  • 2023 
    Cardiff University, PhD
  • 2017 
    Harper Adams University, MSc Entomology
  • 2016 
    Bangor University, BSc Zoology

Publications

  • 2023
    Grand challenges in entomology: priorities for action in the coming decades., Insect Conservation and Diversity
  • 2023
    Non-Native Ants Drive Dramatic Declines in Animal Community Diversity: a Meta-Analysis., Insect Conservation and Diversity
  • 2023
    Temporal variation in spider trophic interactions is explained by the influence of weather on prey communities, web building and prey choice., Ecography
  • 2023
    The predator problem and PCR primers in molecular dietary analysis: swamped or silenced; depth or breadth? , Molecular Ecology Resources
  • 2022
    The complex epistemological challenge of data curation in dietary metabarcoding: Comment on ‘The precautionary principle and dietary DNA metabarcoding: commonly used abundance thresholds change ecological interpretation’ by Littleford-Colquhoun et al.., Molecular Ecology
  • 2022
    Overcoming the pitfalls of merging dietary metabarcoding into ecological networks. , Methods in Ecology and Evolution
  • 2022
    DNA metabarcoding reveals introduced species predominate in the diet of a threatened endemic omnivore, Telfair’s skink (Leiolopisma telfairii)., Ecology and Evolution
  • 2021
    The problem of omnivory: a synthesis on omnivory and DNA metabarcoding., Molecular Ecology
  • 2021
    Density-independent prey choice, taxonomy, life history, and web characteristics determine the diet and biocontrol potential of spiders (Linyphiidae and Lycosidae) in cereal crops., Environmental DNA
  • 2021
    MEDI: Macronutrient Extraction and Determination from Invertebrates, a rapid, cheap and streamlined protocol. , Methods in Ecology and Evolution
  • 2020
    Money spider dietary choice in pre‐and post‐harvest cereal crops using metabarcoding., Ecological Entomology
  • 2018
    Phylogenetic clustering of wingbeat frequency and flight‐associated morphometrics across insect orders., Physiological Entomology

Grants and Contracts

  • 2023
    Describing the invertebrate diversity of Mauritius
    Role:
    Named entomologist
    Funding Source:
    Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
  • 2019
    Arks of the 21st Century
    Role:
    Co-investigator, public speaker
    Funding Source:
    Wellcome Trust ISSF3
  • 2019
    Revealing the diet of Telfair's skink
    Role:
    Named researcher
    Funding Source:
    British Herpetological Society
  • 2018
    Alien ants: describing the role of introduced ants on Round Island
    Role:
    PhD awardee
    Funding Source:
    Natural Environment Research Council

Professional Memberships

  • Royal Entomological Society
  • British Ecological Society