About
Biography
Dr Andrew Hayes began his research career studying the blood–gas physiology of decapod crustacean, but soon moved to the exciting area of chemical ecology. This is the communication of organisms by the use of volatile chemicals, and can be used within a species for maintenance of social structure and territoriality or for finding an appropriate mate. Communication also occurs between species, where it is used for a variety of reasons, including finding host plants or warning others of poisonous effects. His early work on chemical ecology was investigating the signals used to maintain social status in wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). He stayed within the field of vertebrate chemical communication, studying signals related to genetic relatedness in lemurs (Propithecus edwardsii), predator odours in native rats (Uromys, Melomys and Rattus) and inter-specific signals in the cane toad (Bufo marinus). Since 2008 he has been studying the signals used by insects (produced by both insects and the plants they feed on), to find hosts and mates, and his research is focused on exploiting these signals to protect horticulture and forestry crops.
Professional memberships
- Asia–Pacific Association for Chemical Ecology
- Australian Mammal Society
- Ecological Society of Australia Director (ECR) 2007–2015
- Entomological Society of Queensland
- International Association for Ecology
- International Society for Chemical Ecology
Awards
- 2011 Queensland International Fellowship
- 2005 University of Sydney Innovation Challenge Finalist
- 2000 Royal Zoological Society of NSW Award (best student poster presentation)
Research areas
- Chemical ecology
- Predator–prey interactions
- Insect–plant interactions
- Forestry entomology
- Invasive species
Expert media commentary
Dr Andrew Hayes' specialist areas of knowledge include chemical communication within animal species, used for maintaining social status, and for finding mates. He also studies communication between species, used for finding food or hosts. Over the last twenty years he has studied the chemoecology of a variety of species from rabbits, lemurs and cane toads to long-horned beetles, leaf beetles, mango seed weevils and eucalypts.