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Professor ZhiQiang Zhang
PhD (Entomology) Cornell University; BSc (Zoology) Fudan University; FRSNZ
Research | Current
- Diversity, systematics and evolution of invertebrates (esp. mites)
- Ecology and evolution of mating and ageing in animals (esp. effects of sexual reproduction, diet and stress on lifespan)
- Ecology of invasive species and pests (insects and weeds) and biocontrol-based integrated pest management
- Behavioral and population ecology of predator-prey or parasite-host interactions
- Ecology of animal-fungus-plant interactions
- Biodiversity informatics
Postgraduate supervision
Current postgraduate students
- Mr Keshi Zhang (MSc candidate 2022–2023) Kin recognition in a generalist predatory mite Amblyseius herbicolus (Main supervisor: Prof ZhiQiang Zhang)
- Ms Zoe Wei (PhD candidate 2017–2022) Effects of mild and strong stressors on mite longevity (Main supervisor: Prof ZhiQiang Zhang; co-supervisor: Prof Bill Lee)
- Research output:
- 2019 A modified Munger cell for testing long-term effects of predator-induced stress on prey: an example using Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acaridae) and its predator Neoseiulus cucumeris (Phytoseiidae)
- 2018 Responses of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acaridae) to odour associated with its predator Neoseiulus cucumeris (Phytoseiidae)
- Research output:
Potential postgraduate student projects
- Biosecurity and biocontrol
- Tritrophic interactions in weed biocontrol: predatory mites, gall mites and Galium aparine in New Zealand (MSc or PhD)
- Biosecurity and biosystematcs
- Native and naturalised nematode fauna of Pinus radiata in New Zealand (MSc, co-superviser Dr Z.Q. Zhao of Landcare Research)
- Life in amber: systematics and diversity of micro-arthropods (PhD)
- Ecology and evolution
- Sexual conflict and ageing: experimental studies using arthropods (PhD)
- Sexual dimorphism and mating behavior in arthropods (MSc or PhD)
- Evolution of aging: integrating behavioural and genomic studies (PhD)
- Rapid evolution in the laboratory: mites as model systems (PhD)
- Biodiversity and ecology
- Does diversity promote persistence of meta-populations? Experiments using mites in microcosms (PhD)
- Living in leaf domatia: complex trophic interactions among fungivores, phytophages and predators (MSc or PhD)
- Biodiversity, ecology and systematics
- Insect-mite interactions: candidate selecting a particular taxonomic group or topic of interest (MSc or PhD)
- Mite systematics and ecology: candidate selecting a particular taxonomic group of interest (MSc or PhD)
Potential postgraduate students are encouraged to bring his/her own topics of interest in systematics, ecology and evolution (not limited to these listed above) for discussion. I love to hear from motivated students who are interested in joining the lab. Please first check if you meet the University of Auckland requirements for MSc or PhD programmes. Honour students are welcome to participate in research projects in the lab.
Completed postgraduate students
- Dr Guangyun Li (PhD candidate 2015–2019) Sex-specific aging in two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae: effects of diet, social environment and predator-induced stress (Main supervisor: Prof ZhiQiang Zhang; co-supervisor: Prof Bill Lee)
- Research output:
- 2021 Age-specific mortality and fecundity of a spider mite under diet restriction and delayed mating
- 2021 Sex dimorphism of life-history traits and their response to environmental factors in spider mites
- 2020 Additions and corrections: development, lifespan and reproduction of spider mites exposed to predator-induced stress across generations (Biogerontology, 20(6), 871–882)
- 2020 The costs of social interaction on survival and reproduction of arrhenotokous spider mite Tetranychus urticae
- 2020 Sex-specific response to delayed and repeated mating in spider mite Tetranychus urticae
- 2019 Development, lifespan and reproduction of spider mites exposed to predator-induced stress across generations
- 2019 The sex- and duration-dependent effects of intermittent fasting on lifespan and reproduction of spider mite Tetranychus urticae
- 2018 Does size matter? Fecundity and longevity of spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) in relation to mating and food availability
- 2017 Some factors affecting the development, survival and prey consumption of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae) feeding on Tetranychus urticae eggs (Acari: Tetranychidae)
- Award
- 2019 Award of a place on Dean of School of Graduate Studies list in recognition of excellence achieved with PhD thesis (The University of Auckland)
- Career
- Since 1 November 2019: Lecturer, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Research output:
- Dr Jianfeng Liu (PhD candidate 2016–2019) Biocontrol of invasive tomato/potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli: Effects of predatory mite, entomopathogenic fungi, diets and ants (Main supervisor: Prof ZhiQiang Zhang; co-supervisor: Prof. Jacqueline Beggs)
- Research outputs:
- 2020 Lethal and sublethal effects of entomopathogenic fungi on tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in capsicum
- 2019 Influence of pathogenic fungi on the life history and predation rate of mites attacking a psyllid pest
- 2019 Provisioning predatory mites with entomopathogenic fungi or pollen improves biological control of a greenhouse psyllid pest
- 2018 Tri-partite complexity: Odour from a psyllid’s mutualist ant increased predation by a predatory mite on the psyllid
- 2018 Population development of the predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus is modulated by habitat dispersion, diet and density of conspecifics
- 2017 Development, survival and reproduction of a New Zealand strain of Amblydromalus limonicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Typha orientalis pollen, Ephestia kuehniella eggs, and an artificial diet
- Award
- 2019 Award of a place on Dean of School of Graduate Studies list in recognition of excellence achieved with PhD thesis (The University of Auckland)
- Career
- Since January 2021: Associate Professor, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- December 2019–December 2020 Lecturer, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Research outputs:
- Miss Wendy Lam (MSc candidate 2018–2019) This Mite be a Prickly Situation: The effects of predation by predatory mites on Sericothrips staphylinus and the impacts on its ability to control gorse. (Main supervisor: Prof ZhiQiang Zhang; co-supervisor: Dr Quentin Paynter of Landcare Research)
- Research output:
- 2020 Functional response of Amblyseius herbicolus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Sericothrips staphylinus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), an ineffective biocontrol agent of gorse
- 2019 Predation, prey preference and reproduction of predatory mites Amblydromalus limonicus (Garman), Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant) and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) on immature Sericothrips staphylinus Haliday (Thyasanoptera: Thripidae), a biocontrol agent of gorse
- Career
- 2019 Analyst, Target Evaluation—Biosecurity & Food Imports, Ministry for Primary Industries, Auckland
- Research output:
- Miss Kajal Patel (MSc 2016–2017) Effectiveness of two predatory mites Amblydromalus limonicus and Neoseiulus cucumeris in controlling tomato/potato psyllids (Bactericera cockerelli) (Supervisor: Prof ZhiQiang Zhang)
- Research outputs:
- 2017 Prey preference and reproduction of predatory mites, Amblybromalus limonicus and Neoseiulus cucumeris, on eggs and 1st instar nymphs of the tomato/potato psyllid;
- 2017 Functional and numerical responses of Amblydromalus limonicus and Neoseiulus cucumeris to eggs and first instar nymph of tomato/potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerrelli)
- Career
- 2019 Editorial coordinator, Dove Medical Press
- Research outputs:
- Miss Ming Lee (MSc 2015–2016) Assessing the augmentation of Amblydromalus limonicus with the supplementation of pollen, thread, and substrates to combat greenhouse whitefly populations. (Main supervisor: Prof ZhiQiang Zhang; co-supervisor: Dr Darren Ward)
- Research outputs:
- Career
- Since 2018: Environmental Advisor; Winstone Aggregates (Fletcher Building), Auckland
- Miss Preet Parmar (MSc 2014–2015) Characterising the direct and indirect ecological impacts of the gall mite Aceria genistae, a biological control agent of Scotch broom Cytisus scoparius, in New Zealand (Main supervisor: Prof ZhiQiang Zhang; co-supervisors: Prof Bill Lee, Dr Quentin Paynter)
- Career pathways
- 2015–2016 AsureQuality New Zealand
- 2016–2017 Ministry for Primary Industries, Auckland
- Since 2018 Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington
- Career pathways
- Mrs Varsha Mala (MSc 2012–2013) The Ecology and Impact of the Broom Gall Mite (Aceria genistae) On Its Host Plant Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius). (Main supervisor: Prof Bill Lee; co-supervisors: Dr Quentin Paynter, Prof ZhiQiang Zhang)
- Career
- Since 2019 Environmental Advisor, KiwiRail (Auckland)
- 2016 to 2019 Environment Compliance Advisor, Fletcher Building (Auckland)
- 2015 to 2016 Technical Writer, Fletcher Building (Auckland)
- Career
Completed summer students
- Miss Wendy Lam (Dec 2016-Feb 2017) Amblyseius herbicolus as a potential biocontrol agent against tomato-potato psyllid
- Miss Fonti Kar (Jan-Jun 2013) Mites associated with beetles
Visiting postgraduate students
- Mr Siyuan Xu (PhD student from Guizhou University, China; Jan-Jun 2020) Erythaeid ecology and systematics
- Miss Xinyao Gu (PhD student from Guizhou University, China; Sept 2019-Sept 2020) Acari ecology and systematics
- Research output
- 2022 Intraguild predation between two predatory mites Neoseiulus cucumeris and Blattisocius dentriticus: from individual behaviour to population dynamics
- 2022 Stage and sex-dependent responses of immature predatory mites (Blattisocius dentriticus) to predation risk from cannibalistic conspecifics
- 2020 Ontogenetic development of chaetotaxy in Tenuipalpidae: a survey with special reference to sexual dimorphism
- 2020 Indirect effects in predator-prey interaction: development and predation rates by immature Neoseiulus cucumeris increased by odour from its prey (Tyrophagus putrescentiae)
- Research output
- Mrs Pei-Yun Peng (PhD student from Dali Medical University, China; May-Aug 2018) Mesostigmata ecology and systematics
- Miss Xiao Han (PhD student from Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China; Aug-Oct 2012; Dec 2014-Dec 2015) Systematics and Phylogeny of Eriophyoidea (Acari)
- Research outputs:
- 2019 A new genus and three new species of eriophyoid mites from New Zealand Coprosma (Rubiaceae)
- 2016 Identification of Aceria genistae species complex (Acari: Eriophyidae) from broom, gorse and related plants (Fabaceae: Genisteae) in western US and a new record of Aculops hussongi
- 2015 Correct identification and biosecurity decision-making: two species instead of one in Aceria genistae complex (Acari: Eriophyidae) in New Zealand;
- 2015 Disella rebeeveri (Prostigmata: Eriophyidae): new distribution and host records
- Career
- since 2017 Lecturer, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Research outputs:
- Mrs Yun Xu (PhD student from Fujian Agricultural & Forestry University, Fuzhou, China; Jul-Oct 2012; May 2013 to Jan 2014) Systematics of Tenuipalpidae
- Research outputs:
- 2018 Description of a new species of Prolixus (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) from Austroderia splendens (Poaceae) in New Zealand, with discussion of its ontogenetic patterns in chaetotaxy
- 2018 Tenuipalpus (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tetranychoidea: Tenuipalpidae)
- 2017 Two new species of Prolixus (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) on Gahnia (Cyperaceae) from New Zealand
- 2015 Amblydromalus limonicus: a “new association” predatory mite against an invasive psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) in New Zealand;
- 2014 Tenuipalpus mansoniculus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) of Australia: redescription of the holotype;
- 2014 Prolixus (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) newly recorded from New Zealand: a new species from Cyperaceae and its ontogenetic patterns in chaetotaxy;
- 2013 A new species of Ultratenuipalpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from Cook Islands, with a key to the known species;
- 2013 New Zealand Tenuipalpidae (Acari: Trombidiformes): a new species of Acaricis from Cyperaceae and its ontogenetic patterns in chaetotaxy
- Career
- Since 2016: Post-doc fellow, Fujian Agricultural & Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Research outputs:
Visiting researchers (post-docs and other visitors)
- Mr Keshi Zhang (Auckland Zealand, from April 2021 to January 2022) Mite ecology and control
- Research outputs
- Dr Tianrong Xin (From Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Jan 2020-Jan 2021) Mite ecology and control
- Dr Min Ma (From Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China; Sept 2017-Sept 2018; Nov 2019-Mar 2020) Phytoseiidae systematics
- Research outputs:
- 2020 Ontogenetic changes in the morphology of Neoseiulus barkeri (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
- 2020 Neoseiulus kikuyu sp. nov. (Mesositgmata: Phytoseiidae): descriptions of all life stages from New Zealand
- 2019 Amblyseiinae of New Zealand (Acari: Phytoseiidae): redescriptions, rediscoveries, new records, new combinations and keys to species
- 2019 Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) of Cook Islands
- 2019 Ontogenetic changes in the morphology of Phytoseius leaki Schicha, 1977 (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
- 2018 Ontogenetic changes in the morphology of Eharius chergui (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
- 2018 Morphological ontogeny of Amblydromalus limonicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
- 2018 An assemblage of predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) associated with a potential biocontrol agent (Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Eriophyidae) for weed Galium spurium (Rubiaceae)
- Research outputs:
- Dr Suqin Shang (From Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China; June 2018-June 2019) Phytoseiidae: ecology and systematics
- Dr Dong Liu (From Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; June 2018; Apr-May 2012) Oribatid systematics
- Research outputs:
- 2019 Hoplophthiracarus sidorchukae sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Phthiracaridae) from the North Island, New Zealand
- 2018 New Zealand Austrophthiracarus (Acari, Oribatida, Steganacaridae): two new species from the North Island
- 2016 Phthiracarus species (Acari: Oribatida: Phthiracaridae) from New Zealand, with description of a new species, redescription of Phthiracarus pellucidus and a key to 19 described species from the Australian Region;
- 2016 Review of the genus Austrophthiracarus (Acari, Oribatida, Phthiracaridae) with a description of a new species from Australia, a key to known species of the Australian Region and a world checklist;
- 2015 New Zealand Austrophthiracarus (Acari: Oribatida: Phthiracaridae): three new species from North Island and offshore islands;
- 2014 Two new peculiar ptyctimous mites (Acari: Oribatida: Phthiracaridae) from the Australian region, with a key to 54 described species of Notophthiracarus Ramsay in Australia
- 2013 Hotspots of new species discovery: new mite species described during 2007 to 2012
- Research outputs:
- Dr Lixia Xie (From Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China; Dec 2016-Dec 2017) Ecology of predatory mites
- Dr Yi Yan (From Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'An, China; Dec 2016-Jan-Feb & Jul-Aug 2017) Systematics and ecology of predatory mites
- Mr Nick Pattison (Royal Society Teach Fellow from Ormiston Junior College, Flat Bush, Auckland, New Zealand) Dust mites and predatory mites
- Dr Shisen Ye (From Fujian Forest Professional Technology College, Nanping 353000, China; April 2014-Apr 2015) Ecology of mites
- Ms Lichen YU (From Hebei Academy of Agricutural and Forestry Sciences, China; Nov. 2012 to Feb 2013) Pyemotidae
- Research output:
- Dr Sheng Lin (From Fujian Agricultural & Forestry University, China; Mar 2013 to Mar 2014) Insect ecology
- Research output:
- 2020 Reduced fitness on tomato and potato of a capsicum-adapted strain of tomato/potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), an invasive pest in New Zealand
- 2014 Neocypholaelaps novaehollandiae Evans (Acari: Ameroseiidae) rediscovered: experiments on its life history and behaviour
- Research output:
- Dr Tianci Yi (From Guizhou University, Guiyang, China; Feb-Aug 2013) Systematics of spider mites
- Research outputs:
- 2017 A new species of Sonotetranychus (Acariformes: Tetranychidae) from China;
- 2013 Ontogenetic development and redescription of Tribolonychus collyerae (Acari: Tetranychidae);
- 2013 A new species of the genus Sonotetranychus (Acari: Tetranychidae) from New Zealand
- 2013 Hotspots of new species discovery: new mite species described during 2007 to 2012
- Research outputs:
Distinctions/Honours
2020 Elected Fellow of the Academy of Royal Society Te Apārangi
Areas of expertise
- Biodiversity
- Biosecurity
- Systematics
- Ecology
- Zoology
Committees/Professional groups/Services
Commissioner, International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature
President, Systematic and Applied Acarology Society
Chief editor, Zootaxa
Chief editor, Megataxa
Chief editor, Fauna of New Zealand
Editor-in-Chief, Systematic and Applied Acarology
Managing editor, Phytotaxa
Vice Director of Editorial Committee, Entomotaxonomia
Editorial board member, Experimental and Applied Acarology
Editorial board member, Zoological Systematics
Editorial board member, Oriental Insects
Editorial board member, Acarological Studies
Editorial board member, Palaeoentomology
Selected publications and creative works (Research Outputs)
- Garnett, S. T., Christidis, L., Conix, S., Costello, M. J., Zachos, F. E., Bánki OS, ... Hobern, D. (2020). Principles for creating a single authoritative list of the world's species. PLoS biology, 18 (7)10.1371/journal.pbio.3000736
- Li, G.-Y., & Zhang, Z.-Q. (2020). Sex-specific response to delayed and repeated mating in spider mite Tetranychus urticae. Bulletin of entomological research, 1-8. 10.1017/s0007485320000292
- Ji, J., Song, Z.-W., Xie, S.-Y., & Zhang, Z.-Q. (2020). Cross-mating between Chinese population of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and that from the commercial one from USA. SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY, 25 (4), 728-734. 10.11158/saa.25.4.11
- Li, G.-Y., & Zhang, Z.-Q. (2020). Can supplementary food (pollen) modulate the functional response of a generalist predatory mite (Neoseiulus cucumeris) to its prey (Tetranychus urticae)?. BIOCONTROL, 65 (2), 165-174. 10.1007/s10526-019-09993-7
- Liu, J.-F., Zhang, Z.-Q., Beggs, J. R., Paderes, E., Zou, X., & Wei, X.-Y. (2020). Lethal and sublethal effects of entomopathogenic fungi on tomato/potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in capsicum. CROP PROTECTION, 12910.1016/j.cropro.2019.105023
Other University of Auckland co-authors: Jacqueline Beggs - Li, G.-Y., & Zhang, Z.-Q. (2019). Development, lifespan and reproduction of spider mites exposed to predator-induced stress across generations. Biogerontology, 20 (6), 871-882. 10.1007/s10522-019-09835-0
- Liu, J.-F., Zhang, Z.-Q., Beggs, J. R., & Zou, X. (2019). Provisioning predatory mites with entomopathogenic fungi or pollen improves biological control of a greenhouse psyllid pest. Pest management science, 75 (12), 3200-3209. 10.1002/ps.5438
Other University of Auckland co-authors: Jacqueline Beggs - Liu, J.-F., Zhang, Z.-Q., Beggs, J. R., & Wei, X.-Y. (2019). Influence of pathogenic fungi on the life history and predation rate of mites attacking a psyllid pest. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 18310.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109585
Other University of Auckland co-authors: Jacqueline Beggs
Identifiers
Contact details
Alternative contact
Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research
231 Morrin Road
St Johns, Auckland
Primary office location
COMMERCE A - Bldg 114
Level 1, Room 119
3A SYMONDS ST
AUCKLAND CENTRAL
AUCKLAND 1010
New Zealand