Simon Leather

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Simon Leather
Alma mater University of Leeds (BSc) University of East Anglia (PhD)
Scientific career
Institutions Forestry Commission, Imperial College London, Harper Adams University
Thesis Aspects of the ecology of the bird cherry-cat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi L  (1980)
Doctoral advisor Tony Dixon

Simon R Leather Hon.FRES (13 March 1955 - 27 September 2021) [1] [2] was an entomologist in the UK, he was Professor of Entomology at Harper Adams University, Honorary Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and an expert in aphids and applied entomology. [3]

Contents

Education and career

Leather had a childhood interest in insects [4] and was educated at King George V School (Hong Kong) and Ripon Grammar School, he studied BSc Agricultural Zoology at the University of Leeds, graduating in 1977; and a PhD on the ecology of the bird cherry-oat aphid at the University of East Anglia, graduating in 1980. He was a Royal Society postdoctoral fellow in Finland, working on the bird cherry-oat aphid, he moved back to UEA and then worked at the Forestry Commission. [5]

In the early 1990s he moved the Silwood Park campus of Imperial College London to be a lecturer, rising to Reader in Applied Ecology, in 2012 Leather moved to Harper Adams University to be Professor of Entomology. [6]

Academic activities

Leather did extensive research into integrated pest management of insect pests in agriculture, horticulture and forestry [7] and he was a member of the UK government's Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Taskforce. [8]

His work on aphids includes the discovery in pea aphids of cannibalistic behaviour. [9]

Leather has also carried out research in urban ecology, looking at the biodiversity value of roundabouts for over 10 years in Bracknell Forest. [10]

He was an advocate of the need for specialist training in entomology and taxonomy [11] and before his move to Harper Adams University was concerned that his then unique (in the UK) Masters courses in Entomology, Integrated Pest Management and Plant Pathology would cease on his eventual retirement. [12] In 2009 he coined the phrase 'institutional vertebratism' to describe the bias of scientific research funding to vertebrate animals, rather than the more numerous invertebrates. [13]

In late 2012 Leather joined Twitter with the account handle @entoprof [14] and in 2013 he started a personal blog Don't forget the roundabouts. He talked and wrote about new platforms for non-academic science communication that are available online. [15] [16]

Books

Honours and awards

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biological pest control</span> Controlling pests using other organisms

Biological control or biocontrol is a method of controlling pests, whether pest animals such as insects and mites, weeds, or pathogens affecting animals or plants by using other organisms. It relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or other natural mechanisms, but typically also involves an active human management role. It can be an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aphid</span> Superfamily of insects

Aphids are small sap-sucking insects and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. Common names include greenfly and blackfly, although individuals within a species can vary widely in color. The group includes the fluffy white woolly aphids. A typical life cycle involves flightless females giving live birth to female nymphs—who may also be already pregnant, an adaptation scientists call telescoping generations—without the involvement of males. Maturing rapidly, females breed profusely so that the number of these insects multiplies quickly. Winged females may develop later in the season, allowing the insects to colonize new plants. In temperate regions, a phase of sexual reproduction occurs in the autumn, with the insects often overwintering as eggs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hemiptera</span> Order of insects often called true bugs

Hemiptera is an order of insects, commonly called true bugs, comprising over 80,000 species within groups such as the cicadas, aphids, planthoppers, leafhoppers, assassin bugs, bed bugs, and shield bugs. They range in size from 1 mm (0.04 in) to around 15 cm (6 in), and share a common arrangement of piercing-sucking mouthparts. The name "true bugs" is often limited to the suborder Heteroptera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frederick Vincent Theobald</span> English entomologist (1868–1930)

Frederick Vincent Theobald FES was an English entomologist and "distinguished authority on mosquitoes". During his career, he was responsible for the economic zoology section of the Natural History Museum, London, vice-principal of the South-Eastern Agricultural College at Wye, Kent, Professor of Agricultural Zoology at London University, and advisory entomologist to the Board of Agriculture for the South-Eastern district of England. He wrote a five volume monograph and sixty scientific papers on mosquitoes. He was recognised for his work in entomology, tropical medicine, and sanitation; awards for his work include the Imperial Ottoman Order of Osmanieh, the Mary Kingsley Medal, and the Victoria Medal of Honour, as well as honorary fellowships of learned societies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coccinellidae</span> Family of beetles

Coccinellidae is a widespread family of small beetles. They are commonly known as ladybugs in North America and ladybirds in Great Britain. Entomologists prefer the names ladybird beetles or lady beetles to avoid confusion with true bugs. The more than 6,000 described species have a global distribution and are found in a variety of habitats. They are oval-shaped beetles with a domed back and flat underside. They are sexual dimorphic; adult females are larger than males. Many of the species have conspicuous aposematic colours and patterns, such as red with black spots, that warn potential predators that they are distasteful.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John A. Pickett</span> British chemist (born 1945)

John Anthony Pickett CBE DSC FRS is a British chemist who is noted for his work on insect pheromones. Pickett is Professor of Biological Chemistry in the School of Chemistry at Cardiff University. He previously served as the Michael Elliott Distinguished Research Fellow at Rothamsted Research.

Erica McAlister Hon.FRES is an entomologist, museum curator and presenter in the United Kingdom. She is an expert in flies (Diptera) and is senior curator at the Natural History Museum, London. She is current President of the Amateur Entomologists' Society.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles Gordon Hewitt</span> Canadian entomologist

Charles Gordon Hewitt was a Canadian economic entomologist and pioneer of conservation biology. He was appointed dominion entomologist of Canada in 1909. He helped pass the Destructive Insect and Pest Act in 1910, and implemented significant changes in the Department of Agriculture. He published several books on the subjects of biology and entomology, and helped to further the 1916 treaty between Canada and the United States for the protection of migratory birds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hugh Loxdale</span> British entomologist

Hugh David Loxdale is an entomologist. He was professor of ecology at the Institute of Ecology, University of Jena from 2009 to 2010, president of the Royal Entomological Society from 2004 to 2006, and honorary visiting professor at the School of Biosciences, Cardiff University. Loxdale works on the population biology, ecology, and genetics of insects, especially aphids and their wasp parasitoids.

Lionel Roy Taylor was a British ecologist, president of the British Ecological Society 1984/85, and editor of the Journal of Animal Ecology.

<i>Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale</i> Species of aphid

Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale, the rice root aphid or red rice root aphid, is a sap-sucking insect pest with a wide host range and a global distribution. As a member of the superfamily Aphidoidea, it is one of 16 species of the genus Rhopalosiphum. Adults and nymphs are soft-bodied and usually dark green with brown, red, or yellow tones. Like all aphids, reproduction is sexual and asexual, depending on the environmental conditions and host plant. Rice root aphids cause injury to external plant parts, namely the roots or stem, by feeding on plant sap and vector several important plant viruses. The hosts of this pest extend across multiple plant families with most belonging to Rosaceae, Poaceae, and Solanaceae. R. rufiabdominale is universally associated with Prunus species but also infests various field crops, greenhouse vegetables, cannabis, and other ornamental plants. While this aphid originates from east Asia, it spans nearly every continent. Dispersal is particularly widespread across the United States, India, and Australia, with crop damage documented in multiple instances, although economic losses are primarily associated with Japanese rice crops. Nonetheless, it remains a pest of serious concern due to its high mobility, discrete habitat, and adaptive plasticity, giving it the rightful reputation as a successful invader.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Hart</span> English scientist, author and broadcaster

Adam Hart is an English scientist, author and broadcaster, specialising in ecology, entomology and conservation, especially in southern Africa. He has co-presented three BBC TV documentaries on social insects. Hart has written and presented numerous BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service documentaries and written more than 120 scientific papers.

Louise M. Russell (1905-2009) was a US Department of Agriculture entomologist renowned for her expertise in insect identification and research on using parasites for biocontrol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Decline in insect populations</span> Ecological trend

An increasing number of scientific studies are reporting substantial declines in insect populations worldwide. Most commonly, the declines involve reductions in abundance, though in some cases entire species are going extinct. The declines are far from uniform. In some localities, there have been reports of increases in overall insect population, and some types of insects appear to be increasing in abundance across the world.

Helen Elizabeth Roy, is a British ecologist, entomologist, and academic, specialising in ladybirds and non-native species. Since 2007, she has been a principal scientist and ecologist at the NERC's Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. From 1997 to 2008, she taught at Anglia Ruskin University, rising to the rank of Reader in Ecology. She is the co-organiser of the UK Ladybird Survey, alongside Dr Peter Brown, is a visiting professor in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading and is a past President of the Royal Entomological Society.

Seirian Sumner FRES is a British entomologist and behavioural ecologist. She is a professor at University College London and is an expert in social wasps.

Judith A. Marshall is an entomologist in the UK. She is an expert in grasshoppers, crickets and related insects (Orthoptera) and is emeritus Curator of Entomology at the Natural History Museum, London.

Luke Tilley FRES FRSA is a British entomologist and science communicator. He is Director of Communications and Engagement at the Royal Entomological Society and Insect Week Coordinator in the UK.

Beulah Garner FRES is an entomologist in the United Kingdom. She is Senior Curator at the Natural History Museum, London and is an expert of beetles, in particular the ground beetles (Carabidae).

Ashleigh Whiffin is an entomologist in the UK. She is a curator at the National Museum of Scotland and a specialist in carrion beetles (Silphidae).

References

  1. ↑ "Tributes paid to Harper Adams Professor Emeritus Simon Leather". Harper Adams University. 29 September 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  2. ↑ "The Seven Ages of an Entomologist – Happy 60th Birthday to Me". Don't Forget the Roundabouts. 13 March 2015.
  3. ↑ "Staff Directory - Professor Simon Leather | Harper Adams University". www.harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  4. ↑ Key, Roger (9 December 2013). "Book review: Working in Entomology". rsb.org.uk/biologist. Retrieved 21 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ↑ "Professor Simon Leather - NBN Conference 2017". National Biodiversity Network. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  6. ↑ "Harper Adams welcomes entomology experts". Harper Adams University. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  7. ↑ Leather, Simon. "Pest management – it isn't just about the killing". The Conversation. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  8. ↑ Elston, Charlotte (9 November 2012). "Plantwise Blog: Research Teams and Scientists Working to Stem Ash Dieback Fungus". blog.plantwise.org. Retrieved 21 January 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ↑ Marshall, Michael. "Zoologger: Baby vampire aphids drink parents' blood". New Scientist. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  10. ↑ "Roundabouts can be so much more than just traffic-calming devices | ialeUK - International Association for Landscape Ecology". iale.uk. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  11. ↑ "National Insect Week: The power of bugs". The Independent. 20 June 2010. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  12. ↑ "Little buzz about entomology". Times Higher Education (THE). 15 January 2009. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  13. ↑ Leather, S. R. (1 August 2013). "Institutional vertebratism hampers insect conservation generally; not just saproxylic beetle conservation". Animal Conservation. 16 (4): 379–380. doi:10.1111/acv.12068. ISSN   1469-1795. S2CID   8449443.
  14. ↑ "Simon Leather 🔶🇪🇺 (@EntoProf) | Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  15. ↑ Saunders, Manu E.; Duffy, Meghan A.; Heard, Stephen B.; Kosmala, Margaret; Leather, Simon R.; McGlynn, Terrence P.; Ollerton, Jeff; Parachnowitsch, Amy L. (2017). "Bringing ecology blogging into the scientific fold: measuring reach and impact of science community blogs". Royal Society Open Science. 4 (10): 170957. Bibcode:2017RSOS....470957S. doi:10.1098/rsos.170957. PMC   5666276 . PMID   29134093.
  16. ↑ Mitchley, Jonathan (18 December 2013). "Why I Joined the Twitterati: Blogs, Tweets & Talks – Making Entomology Visible". Don't Forget the Roundabouts. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  17. ↑ Leather, S. R.; Walters, K. F. A.; Bale, J. S. (1993). The Ecology of Insect Overwintering. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511525834. ISBN   9780521417587.
  18. ↑ Leather, S. R. (18 January 2018). Leather, Simon R; Hardie, Jim (eds.). Insect Reproduction. CRC Press. doi:10.1201/9781351073608. ISBN   978-1-351-07360-8.
  19. ↑ "Insects on cherry trees". Pelagic Publishing. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  20. ↑ Leather, Simon R., ed. (7 December 2005). Insect Sampling in Forest Ecosystems. doi:10.1002/9780470750513. ISBN   9780470750513.
  21. ↑ Insects: A Very Short Introduction. global.oup.com. Oxford University Press. 2022. ISBN   978-0-19-884704-5 . Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  22. ↑ "Professor Simon Leather". Royal Entomological Society. 2 August 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  23. ↑ "Harper Adams University professor named president of the Amateur Entomological Society". Harper Adams University. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  24. ↑ "Insect Conservation and Diversity". Royal Entomological Society. 4 July 2017. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  25. ↑ "Annals of Applied Biology". Wiley Online Library. doi:10.1111/(ISSN)1744-7348 . Retrieved 21 January 2020.
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