Biological control of invasive Portuguese nematodes
Application process
A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm 22 September 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
Project number
110
Project description
Life in Wellington with Portuguese millipedes is “like a horror movie.” Residents of the Wellington south coast report hundreds of thousands of these 2–5 cm creatures invading their houses and properties, swarming en masse through homes.
This summer student will work on a potential biological control option for the management of these millipedes. Nematodes have been successfully used in Australia for their control, and in New Zealand the nematode Steinernema feltiae has been proposed as an option here in Wellington.
The student will be working with Phil Lester and his research group within the School of Biological Sciences. The project will aim to determine whether these nematodes infect the millipedes and assess their potential as a management option for Portuguese millipedes in Wellington.
This project is for a single student.
Location
Mainly at the University.
Supervisor
Professor of Biology
School of Biological Sciences