Richard Naylor
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Current Research
Curriculum vitae
Publications
Bedbug misinformation blog
Current research
I have been working on the common bedbug (Cimex lectularius) as a model system for more than 10 years. I have used this system for studying aspects of sexual conflict and immunology. However, with the rise in prominence of bedbugs as a global pest species the focus of my current research is on understanding the ecology and dispersal of this species with a view to informing control strategies.
The active dispersal of bedbugs between neighbouring flats is an important factor in their spread through multiple occupancy dwellings. However very little is known about when and why bedbugs disperse. For obvious reasons opportunities for field studies on bedbugs are limited. I have therefore developed setups for studying semi-realistic bedbug infestations in the laboratory, which allow me to manipulate many factors likely to be important to understanding the ecology and dispersal of the species. This setup also allows me to address issues fundamental to dispersal ecology.
Curriculum vitae
| Feb 2012-present | Visiting Researcher in Evolutionary and Ecological Entomology Lab, University of Sheffield. Working with Prof. Mike Siva-Jothy. |
| Oct 2008-2012 | PhD in Evolutionary and Ecological Entomology Lab, University of Sheffield. A BBSRC funded CASE Studentship with the Pest Management Consultancy. Understanding the ecology and dispersal of the common bedbug. Working with Prof. Mike Siva-Jothy and CASE partner Clive Boase (PMC). |
| Oct 2005-2008 | Research Assistant in Evolutionary and Ecological Entomology Lab, University of Sheffield. Studied the relative investment of the constitutive and inducible components of the insect immune system, using mealworm beetles and Staph. aureus as a model system. Continued research on the evolutionary ecology of bedbugs. (Working with Prof. Mike Siva-Jothy and Prof. Mike Boots) |
| July 2002-2005 | Research assistant in Evolutionary and Ecological Entomology Lab, University of Sheffield. Developed techniques for measuring bedbug immune systems.(Working with Prof. Mike Siva-Jothy) Also completed a part time M. Phil in Jan 2007. |
| 1999-2002 | Zoology BSc at University of Sheffield, S. Yorks. Graduated with 2:1. |