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About CSIRO

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.

CSIRO's core areas of impact

Contact Enquiries: Phone - 1300 363 400 | Email - Enquiries@csiro.au | Contact Us

Entomology

Undertaking research into biological interactions from molecular to ecosystem level.

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/news/Artificial-bee-silk-a-big-step-closer-to-reality.html Honeybees producing silk to reinforce wax cells. CSIRO scientists have achieved another important milestone in the international quest to artificially produce insect silk.
/resources/Dust-Mites.html The front cover of Dust Mites. A reference work for those with an involvement or interest in house dust mite research.
/science/2009-Biosecurity-Symposium.html Swirling flame. In 2009 CSIRO held a symposium to unite the science behind new crop development and biosecurity research.
/resources/Entomology-PhD-Program.html Examining an agar dish for bacterial colonies as part of the bioremediation project. CSIRO Entomology's PhD program offers a range of opportunities for university students.
Honeybees producing silk to reinforce wax cells.
CSIRO scientists have achieved another important milestone in the international quest to artificially produce insect silk.

Research Programs

Biodiversity Landscape

Biodiversity: Benefits and Threats
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Electron micrograph of silk strands.

Enzymology and Synthetic Biology
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Biodiversity: Benefits and Threats - Enhancing ecosystem function by managing invasive pests, beneficial invertebrates and microbes at landscape scales, involving both agricultural and native habitats. Learn more>
Enzymology and Synthetic Biology - Manipulate enzyme and structural protein function and structure to create new biochemical pathways and biomaterials, and understand the biomolecular basis of odour and taste
detection. Learn more>
Dragon Fly

Invertebrate Systematics
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Close-up of 96-well plate stained green.

Genomics and Genetics
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Invertebrate Systematics - Documenting Australia’s biodiversity assets to support biodiversity conservation, biosecurity and biodiscovery. Learn more>
Genomics and Genetics - Understanding the genetic basis for insect/plant, vector/pathogen, and pathogen/host interactions. Learn more>

Our Expertise

People

Portrait image of Dr Mark Lonsdale.

Dr Mark Lonsdale is Chief of CSIRO Entomology and has extensive experience in studying plant ecology and biological invasions in the United Kingdom, Africa and Australia.

Portrait image of Dr Gary Fitt, Deputy Chief of Entomology.

Dr Gary Fitt's research on the Helicoverpa moth has greatly assisted in the development of Bt cotton resistance management.

Portrait image of Dr Tara Sutherland.

Dr Tara Sutherland is developing advanced biomaterials from invertebrates, including researching into insects as a source of novel biosilks and elastic proteins.

Deputy Director for Informatics at the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) in Copenhagen, Donald Hobern, has been appointed the inaugural Director of the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA).

Mr Hobern is developing a flexible online encyclopaedia of biodiversity that will act as a portal to access biological information held in collections around Australia.

Achievements

Colourful image of a collagen triple helix.

Industrial biotechnology and biomaterials research involves investigating insects and other invertebrates as new sources for biomaterials.

Ladybird beetle (coccinellidae) on a leaf.
Research at CSIRO is examining the evolution and classification of beetles, also known as Coleoptera.
Green vegetable bug, Nezara viridula.

Artificial neural networks, specifically self organising maps (SOM's) can provide an objective method to help assess worldwide pest species assemblages and biosecurity risks.

Several Russian wheat aphids feeding on wheat.

CSIRO scientists are studying how Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia successfully overcomes resistance in wheat in order to protect Australian farmers from this devastating invasive pest.

Publications & Factsheets

Cotton crops are ready for harvesting

This information sheet discusses natural enemies associated with native vegetation and how they can reduce pest pressure in cotton and grain systems as part of integrated pest management. (2 pages)

round yellow beetle with black spots, sitting on a leaf

The website provides an overview of all ladybirds in Australia, and includes information about their biology, distribution, identification and images.

Image of a fly.

An interactive resource to accompany any fly key or as an aid for teaching fly anatomy.

Acacia karroo plant showing leaves and thorns.

This document outlines details of a report on alert and sleeper weed species that were assessed for their change of potential distribution due to climate change in Australia.

Making a Difference

Glass of wine.

To maintain Australia's position as a global leader in wine production, the Food Futures Flagship is working closely with the wine industry on research into biosensors and flavour identification in wines and grape berries.

Man in swamp with insect net

To help protect Australia's ecosystems, CSIRO is undertaking invasive species research at pre-border, border and post-border level.

Two scientists performing molecular research in a laboratory.

In support of a developing bioeconomy in Australia, CSIRO Entomology is conducting research on industrial biotechnology and biomaterials; environmental biotechnology and enzymology; and sensory biology.

 Channel Name:
Entomology
Index of Entomology related information:
  • A larva of the moth Helicoverpa

    New research is targeting the pest species that cause environmental degradation in Australia, including weeds, mammals and invertebrates.

  • A close-up of an insect wing.

    In partnership with the community and industry, we undertake world-class research into the evolution and ecology of invasive species and the molecular biology and physiology of insects.

  • A photo of a female pea aphid giving birth to live young.

    In recently unravelling the genome of the pea aphid, an international consortium of researchers has taken a major step towards understanding how to better control that bane of farmers and gardeners around the world.

  • Honeybees producing silk to reinforce wax cells.

    CSIRO scientist Dr Tara Sutherland and her team have achieved another important milestone in the international quest to artificially produce insect silk.

Events

 
  • Plant and insect communities are being re-established in conservation areas

    Our research aims to better understand the ecological processes and organisms that support agriculture and native vegetation. The work is important to their management as ecologically sustainable systems.

  • An adult parasitic wasp about to parasitise a Helicoverpa armigera larva.

    CSIRO is developing biological control techniques for the management of some of Australia’s main insect pests. This will help reduce the amount of pesticide used and provide control at a landscape level.

  • An adult of the striking red and black beetle Deuterocampta quadrijuga.

    CSIRO has a history of biological control successes and our scientists are using their expertise to find more natural enemies of introduced weeds and insect pests.

  • Field of flowering canola

    The National Invertebrate Pest Initiative (NIPI) brings together Australian scientists from State Departments, Universities, growers and CSIRO to improve pest management in Australian grain crops.

  • CSIRO research scientist Dr Tim Heard collecting insects in the field.

    On the hunt for exotic species for biological control use in Australia, Dr Tim Heard, a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO, often finds himself in faraway places offering rewarding experiences.

  • Senior curator, Mr Tom Weir collecting water bugs.

    Mr Tom Weir is regarded as one of the country’s foremost authorities on water bugs and beetles, investigating diverse habitats in Australia to find them.

  • Brown coloured caterpillar (Helicoverpa larva) on a green cotton leaf

    This document includes presentations from session five of the Biosecurity in the new bioeconomy: threats and opportunities symposia, held 18-21 November 2009 in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. (105 pages)

  • A safflower plant in flower.

    This document includes the presentation from forum two of the Biosecurity in the new bioeconomy: threats and opportunities symposia, held 18-21 November 2009 in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. (33 pages)

Contact

Mrs Julie Carter
Communication Manager
Entomology
Phone: 61 2 6246 4040 
Alt Phone: 61 4 3903 3011 
Fax: 61 2 6246 4177 

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