Dr. Simon K.A. Robson
Date and place of Birth:
Current Institution:
Full Address:School of Marine & Tropical Biology
James Cook University
4812
Country:
Telephone number:
Fax number:
Email Address:
Personal website:
Research Interests:Behavioral Ecology (all taxa), Behavioural ogranisation of social insects, bats (yes bats!), Artifical life and compute simulations
Research Location:Australia, USA, South-East Asia
Research Projects:Current projects involve:
The evolution and organisation of nest-waving in ants,
socioecology of ants and termites,
Chiropteran ecology,
queen number & queen dimorphism in ants,
foraging and navigation ecology of intertidal ants,
evolution of caste in Camponotus,
organisation of complex systems.
Please see WWW page listed above for more details.
Currently and past student supervision includes 6 PhD, 3 MSc and 8 Hons students
List of Publications:
Robson. SKA, Kohout RJ. 2007. A review of nesting habits and socioecology of the ant genus Polyrhachis Smith Asian Myrmecology 1: 81-99
Hazel J, Lawler I, Marsh H, Robson S. 2007. Vessel speed increases collision risk for the green turtle Chelonia mydas. Endangered Species Research 3: 1-5-112
Parsons J, Cairns, A, Johnson C, Robson SKA, Shilton L, Westcott D. 2007. Bryophyte dispersal by flying foxes: a novel discovery. Oecologia 152: 112-114
van Zweden J, Carew ME, Henshaw MT, Robson SKA, Crozier RH. 2007. Social and genetic structure of a supercolonial weaver ant, Polyrhachis robsoni, with dimorphic queens. Insectes Sociaux 54: 34-41
Parsons JG, Cairns A, Johnson CN, Robson SKA, Shilton LA, Westcott DA.2006. Dietary variation in spectacled flying foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus) of the Australian Wet Tropics. Aust J Zool 54:417-428
Robson SK, Vickers M. Blows MW, Crozier RH. 2006. Age determination in individual wild-caught Drosophila serrata using pteridine concentration. J. Exp. Bio. 209: 3155-3163
Hourigan, C., Johnson, C., & Robson, S.K.A. 2006. The structure of a micro-bat community in relation to gradients of environmental variation in a tropical urban area. Urban Ecosystems 9:67-82
Robson, S.K.A. & Kohout, R.J. 2005. The evolution of nest-weaving behaviour in arboreal nesting ants of the genus Polyrhachis Fr. Smith (Formicidae). Aust. J. Entomol 44: 164-169
Beckenbach, A.T., Robson, S.K. A., Crozier, R.H. 2005. Single nucleotide +1 frameshifts in an apparently functional mitochondrial cytochrome B gene in ants of the genus Polyrhachis. J Molec Evol 64: 141-152
McPherson, G & Robson S.K.A. 2005. Fish eating bats, predators of native and exotics species. In Stream 14: 18-19
Henshaw, M. T., S. K. A. Robson, Crozier, R.H. 2004. Queen number, queen cycling and queen loss: the evolution of complex multiple queen societies in the social wasp genus Ropalidia. Behav Ecol Sociobiol. 55: 469-476
Robson, S.K.A. 2004. Comparative nesting biology of two species of Australian lithophilic ants: Polyrhachis (Hedomyrma) turneri and P. (Hagiomyrma) thusnelda Forel (Formicinae). Aust. J. Entomol. 43:5-9
Robson, S.K.A. 2003. "The Social Biology of Ropalidia marginata: Toward Understanding the Evolution of Eusociality" (R. Gadagkar). Quarterly Review of Biology 78:102-103.
Robson, S.K.A. 2003. The globalization of behavioural ecology. International Society for Behavioral Ecology Newsletter 15: 11-12
Robson, S.K.A. & Traniello, J.F.A. 2002. Transient division of labour and behavioral specialization in the ant Formica schaufussi. Naturwissenschaften 89: 128-131
Robson, S.K., Bean, K., Hansen, J., Norling, K., White, D.J., Rowe, R. 2000. Social and spatial organisation in a primitive wasp, Ropalidia revolutionalis (Vespidae). Aust. J. Ent. 39: 20-24.
Robson, S.K. & Traniello, J.F.A. 1998. Resource assessment, recruitment behavior and the organization of cooperative prey retrieval in the ant Formica schaufussi. J. Ins. Behav. 11: 1-22
Kunz, T.H., Robson, S.K. & Nagy, K.A. 1998. Economy of harem maintenance in the greater spear-nosed bat, Phyllostomus hastatus. J. Mammal. 79:631-642
Robson, S.K., Rouse, G.W. & Pettigrew, J.D. 1997. Sperm ultrastructure of Tarsius bancanus (Tarsiidae, Primates): implications for primate phylogeny and the use of sperm in systematics. Acta Zool. 78: 269-278.
Robson, S.K. & Beshers, S.N. 1997. Division of labour and "foraging-for-work": Simulating reality versus the reality of simulations. Anim. Behav. 53: 214-218.
Robson, S.K., Lesniak, M.G., Kothandapani, R.V., Thorne, B.L., Fourcassié, V., Traniello, J.F.A. 1995. Non-random search geometry in subterranean termites. Naturwissenschaften 82: 526- 528.
Robson, S.K. & Traniello, J.F.A. 1999. Key individuals and the organisation of labour in ants. In "Information Processing in Social Insects" eds. C. Detrain, J.M. Pasteels & J.-L. Deneubourg. Birkäuser Verlag Press. Pp 239-259.
Traniello, J.F.A. & Robson, S.K. 1995. Trail and territorial communication in social insects. In "The Chemical Ecology of Insects II". eds. R. Cardé & W.J. Bell. Chapman & Hall. pp. 241-286.
Kunz, T.H. & Robson, S.K. 1995. Postnatal growth and development in the Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis): birth size, growth rates, and age estimation. J. Mammal. 76: 769-783.
Kunz, T.H., Oftedal, O.T., Robson, S.K., Kretzmann, M.B. & Kirk, C. 1995. Changes in milk composition during lactation in three species of insectivorous bats. J. Comp. Physiol. B. 164: 543-551.
Young, W.G., Douglas, W.B. & Robson, S.K. 1990. Differential wear resistance as a function of tooth enamel structure in the koala Phascolarctos cinereus. Pp. 145-150, In 'Biology of the Koala', eds A.K. Lee, K.A. Handasyde & G.D. Sanson. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney.
Pettigrew, J.D., Jameison, B.G.M., Robson, S.K., Hall, L.S., McAnally, K.I. & Cooper, H.M. 1989. Phylogenetic relations between microbats, megabats and primates. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B 325: 489-559.
Robson, S.K. & Young, W.G. 1989. A comparison of tooth microwear between an extinct marsupial predator, the Tasmanian Tiger Thylacinus cynocephalus (Thylacinidae) and an extant scavenger, the Tasmanian Devil Sarcophilus harrisii (Dasyuridae: Marsupialia). Aust. J. Zool. 37: 575-589.
Cummins, J.M., Robson, S.K. & Rouse, G.W. 1988. The acrosome reaction in the spermatozoa of the grey headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) exposes barbed subacrosomal material. Gamete Research 21: 11-22.
Young, W. G. & Robson, S.K. 1987. Jaw movements from microwear on the molar teeth of the koala Phascolarctos cinereus. J. Zool. Lond. 231: 51-61.
Robson, S.K. 1987. "Origin of Sex: Three Billion Years of Genetic Recombination" (L. Margulis & D. Sagan). Symbiosis 3: 207-212.
Rouse, G.W. & Robson, S.K. 1986. An ultrastructural study of megachiropteran (Mammalia: Chiroptera) spermatozoa: implications for chiropteran phylogeny. J. Submicrosc. Cytol. 18: 137-152.
Robson, S.K. 1986. A new locality record for the bare-backed fruit-bat Dobsonia moluccensis (Quoy and Gaimard 1830). Macroderma 2: 63-64
Robson, S.K. 1985. Population dynamics and dispersal patterns of Rhinolophus megaphyllus in the Brisbane Forest Park, Southeast Queensland. Macroderma 1: 56.
Robson, S.K. 1984. Myotis adversus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae): Australia's fish-eating bat. Aust. Mammal. 7: 51-52.
List of Conference Contributions:
Robson SKA, Beckenbach AT, Kohout RJ, Henshaw MT, Crozier RH. 2007. Bayesian approaches to understanding complex systems: the evolution and loss of nest-weaving behaviour in ants. Society for the Study of Evolution, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Robson SKA, Beckenbach AT, Kohout RJ, Henshaw MT, Crozier RH. 2007. Bayesian approaches to understanding complex systems: the evolution and loss of nest-weaving behaviour in ants. 5th Australasian Evolution Society, University NSW, Sydney Australia.
Robson SKA, Blows MW, Crozier RH. 2007. Biochemical methods of age determination in individual insects. 5th Australasian Evolution Society, University NSW, Sydney Australia.
Robson SKA, Shuetrim A. 2007. Colony structure and territorial dynamics of the intertidal-nesting ant Polyrhachis sokolova. Australian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour / International Union for the Study of Social Insects Australian Chapter Conference, Australian National University, Canberra Australia.
Raj M, Crozier RH, Robson SKA. 2007. Navigation across the land-water interface: orientation in the inter-tidal ant Polyrhachis sokolova. Australian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour / International Union for the Study of Social Insects Australian Chapter Conference, Australia
Parsons J, Blair D, Luly J, Robson SKA, Shilton L. 2007. Aerial photography and digital image analysis: new techniques for monitoring problematic flying fox camps. Royal Zoological Society NSW /Australasian Bat Scoiety Symposium on the Biology & Conservation of Australasian bats. Australian Museum, Sydney Australia.
Parsons J, Robson SKA, Blair D, Luly J, Shilton L. 2007. A preliminary analysis of aircraft bat strikes in Australia. Royal Zoological Society NSW /Australasian Bat Scoiety Symposium on the Biology & Conservation of Australasian bats. Australian Museum, Sydney Australia
Crozier RH, Beckenbach A, Robson SK, Kohout RJ, Guzik MT, Henshaw MT, Shuetrim AJ. 2006. A molecular framework for comparative analysis of the ant genus Polyrhachis. SYMPOSIUM: Ant phylogenetics: New molecular trees to address old problems in ant biology. 15th International Congress of the International Union for the Study of Social Insects, Washington DC, USA. Pp 71.
Shuetrim AJ, Robson SK, Crozier RH. 2006. Molecular evolution of transferrin in Polyrhachis ants. SYMPOSIUM: The immune system of social insects: challenges of a colonial life. 15th International Congress of the International Union for the Study of Social Insects, Washington DC, USA. Pp. 69
Yek SH, Crozier RH, Robson SK, Williams S, Burwell C. 2006. Leaf-litter Ants as Surrogates in Establishing Conservation Assessments. XV IUSS Congress, Washington DC, USA.
Luly J, Blair D, Waycott M, Fox S, Parsons J, Robson SK, Maclean J. 2006. Telomere's - a soft tissue chronometer for Australian bats? 12th Australasian Bat Research Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
Robson SKA, Blair D, Luly J, Pallot P & Parsons, J. 2006. When bats meet planes: a proposal to limit the impact of bat strikes in the aviation industry. 12th Australasian Bat Research Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
Parsons J, Johnson C, Robson SKA, Shilton L, Westcott D. 2006. Spatial and temporal patterns of resource use in spectacled flying foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus). 12th Australasian Bat Research Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
Hazel J, Lawler I, Robson SKA. 2005. Vessel-related mortality of sea turtles in Queensland: Sea turtles face greater collision risk from faster vessels. Rainforest meets reef. Joint Rainforest CRC & CRC Reef Conference. Townsville, AUSTRALIA
Shuetrim A, Robson SKA, Crozier RH. Molecular evolution of transferrin in Polyrhachis (Formicidae) with varying life history attributes. Australian Genetics Society New Zealand 2005
Parsons J, Cairns A, Johnson C, Robson S, Chilton L, Westcott A. 2005. Moss on the menu. 8th Australasian Bryophyte Workshop, Palluma QLD, Australia
Parsons J, Cairns A, Johnson C, Robson S, Chilton L, Westcott A. 2005. Spatial and temporal patterns of resource use by Spectacled Flying Foxes. Rainforest meets reef. Joint Rainforest CRC & CRC Reef Conference. Townsville, AUSTRALIA.
Parsons J, Cairns A, Johnson C, Robson S, Chilton L, Westcott A. 2005. Spatial and temporal patterns of resource use by Spectacled Flying Foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus). 4th Internation Symposium on Frugivores and Seed Dispersal. Griffith University, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA.
van Zweden, J, Henshaw MT, Robson SKAR, Crozier RH. 2004. Queen size polymorphism and alternative reproductive strategies in the Australian weaver ant, Polyrhachis robsoni. Integrated Studies of Social Evolution. Dept of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Helsingor, Denmark. Eds: B Baer-Imhoof, S Cremer, S Mathiasen, DR Nash, M Poulsen, JM Thomas, JJ Boomsma.
Robson, SKA, Sumpter, D, Traniello, JFA. 2004. Reconciling individual simplicity with group complexity: an experimental and simulation study of search behaviour in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes. 'Advances in modelling social insect organization and reproduction'. XXII International Congress of Entomology. Brisbane AUSTRALIA
Shuetrim, AJ, Crozier, YC, Crozier RH & Robson SKA. 2004. Molecular evolution of transferrin in Polyrhachis (Formicidae) with varying life history attributes. "Social insect parasites and disease" XXII International Congress of Entomology. Brisbane AUSTRALIA
Robson, SK. 2004. Terrestrial and aquatic locomotion in the intertidal-nesting ant Polyrhachis sokolova. Sir Mark Oliphant Workshop on Insect Sensors and Robotics: A workshop at the biology machine interface. Brisbane AUSTRALIA
Robson, SK. & Kohout, R.J. 2003. An ultrastructural study of the nesting habits of the ant genus Polyrhachis (Formiciinae). 4rd International workshop of the International Network for the Study of Asian Ants (ANET). Faculty of Forestry, University of Kasetsart, Bangkok, THAILAND
Robson, S.K.A., Blows, M.B. & Crozier, R.H. 2003. Lipofuscin and pteridine concentration as indicators of age in individual social and non-social insects. Entomological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, U.S.A.
Robson, SKA. 2002. From centralised to decentralised control and back again: the organisation of prey retrieval in ants. Workshop on "Patterns and collective decisions in animal societies" Fondation des Treilles , Toutour, France, August 27-September 1, 2002.
Beckenbach, AT, Robson, SKA, Kohout, RJ, & Crozier, RH. 2002. Phylogenetic origins of a complex behavior (weaving): A molecular phylogeny of ants of the genus Polyrhachis. Annual Meeting Society for the Study of Evolution, USA.
Henshaw, M., Robson SKA & Crozier, RH. 2002. Multiple queens in the independent-founding wasp Ropalidia revolutionalis. 14th International Congress, International Union for the Study of Social Insects, Sapporo, JAPAN
Robson, SKA & Crozier, RH. 2002. Lipofuscin and pteridine concentration as indicators of age in individual social insects. 14th International Congress, International Union for the Study of Social Insects, Sapporo, JAPAN
Shuetrim, A & Robson SKA. 2002. Colony structure and territoriality in the intertidal ant Polyrhachis sokolova. 14th International Congress, International Union for the Study of Social Insects,Sapporo, JAPAN
Robson, SKA & Crozier, RH. 2002. Lipofuscin and pteridine concentration as indicators of age in individual social insects. 9th International Behavioral Ecology Conference, Montreal, CANADA
Robson, SK. & Kohout, R.J. 2001. Emergence and convergence in nest-weaving ants. 3rd International workshop of the International Network for the Study of Asian Ants (ANET). Institute of Ecology & Biological Resources, Hanoi VIETNAM
Robson, SK. 2000. Exploring the links between simple individual and complex group behavior: the evolution and organization of nest weaving in Polyrhachis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). 8th International Behavioral Ecology Conference, Zurich, SWITZERLAND.
Robson, SK & Traniello JFA. 1999. Leadership in ants. 1st Meeting of the Australasian Evolution Society, University of Queensland, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA.
Johnson, R.N., Beckenbach, A.T., Robson, S.K., Chiotis, M. & Crozier, R.H. 1998. A molecular phylogeny of the weaver ants. Social Insect Phylogeny Symposium. 13th International Congress, International Union for the Study of Social Insects. Adelaide, AUSTRALIA
Robson, S.K. & Calderone, N. 1998. Behavioral Integration and Organisation in Social Insect Groups: An Introduction. 13th International Congress of the International Union for the Study of Social Insects, Adelaide, Australia.
Robson, S.K. Individual Specialisation and Behavioral Organisation in Nest-Weaving Ants (Polyrhachis). 1998. 13th International Congress of the International Union for the Study of Social Insects, Adelaide, Australia.
Salanga, M.C., Malina, B. & Robson, S.K. 1998. Chemical and vibrational alarm comunication in two species of nest-weaving ants, Polyrhachis queenslandica and P. yarrabahensis (Formicinae). 13th International Congress, International Union for the Study of Social Insects. Adelaide, AUSTRALIA.
Bean, K., Edson, D., Hansen, J., Norling, K., White, D.J., Rowe, R. & Robson, S.K. 1998. Social structure in a primitive wasp, Ropalidia revolutionalis. 13th International Congress, International Union for the Study of Social Insects. Adelaide, AUSTRALIA
Robson, S.K. 1998. Behavioral specialisation and the evolution of nest-weaving behaviour in Polyrhachis. Annual Meeting SSE/SSB/ASN, University of British Columbia, CANADA.
Robson, S.K. & Traniello, J.F.A. 1996. Individual and collective search behavior in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes. 6th International Behavioral Ecology Conference, Australian National University, Canberra, AUSTRALIA.
Johnson, R.N., Crozier, R.H., Kaufman, B., Robson, S.K., Dwyer, P.D., Shattuck, S. & Beckenbach, A. 1996. Molecular analysis of social structute in ants without colony boundaries. 6th International Behavioral Ecology Conference, Australian National University, Canberra, AUSTRALIA.
Robson, S.K. & Traniello, J.F.A. 1994. Cooperative prey retrieval in Formica schaufussi (Formicidae): Group behavior based on individual complexity rather than individual simplicity. Insect Colonies: Adaptive Design and Self-Organization Symposium. 12th International Congress of the International Union for the Study of Social Insects, Paris, France. Pp. 232, Les Insectes Sociaux.
Traniello, J.F.A. & Robson, S.K. 1994. Asymmetries in recruitment behavior and recruitment response in the ant Formica schaufussi (Formicidae). Foraging Symposium. 12th International Congress of the International Union for the Study of Social Insects, Paris, France. Pp. 148, Les Insectes Sociaux.
Robson, S.K. & Traniello, J.F.A. 1994. Group retrieval in Formica schaufussi (Formicidae): the role of key individuals and context specific behavior. Entomological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Houston, U.S.A.
Robson, S.K., Traniello, J.F.A. Lesniak, M., Kothandapani, R., Leonardo, A.M.C. & Thornes, B.L. 1994. The organization of search in subterranean termites, Reticulitermes spp. Entomological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Houston, U.S.A.
Robson, S.K. & Traniello, J.F.A. 1994. Key individuals, context-specific behavior and the organization of social insect groups. Animal Behavior Society, North East Regional Meetings, University of New Hampshire, U.S.A.
Robson, S.K. & Traniello, J.F.A. 1993. The organization of group retrieval in ants: individual action or cooperative group? Entomological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, U.S.A.
Robson, S.K. & Traniello, J.F.A. 1992. Individual and group processes of patch utilization in the ant Formica schaufussi. Entomological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Baltimore, U.S.A.
Robson, S.K. & Resnick, M. 1992. Massively parallel computers: a new technique for investigating group-level phenomena in the social insects. 4th International Behavioral Ecology Conference, Princeton University, Princeton, U.S.A.
Robson, S.K. & Resnick, M. 1991. The use of massively parallel computers to investigate emergent properties and group-level phenomena in the social insects. Entomological Society of America, Annual Meeting, Reno, U.S.A.
Robson, S.K. & Resnick, M. 1991. Investigations of emergent properties and group level phenomena in the social insects using massively parallel computing. Animal Behavior Society, North East Regional Meetings, University of Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Young, W.G., Douglas, W.B. & Robson, S.K. 1990. Differential wear resistance as a function of tooth enamel structure in the koala Phascolarctos cinereus. Biology of the Koala Symposium, University of New South Wales, Sydney, AUSTRALIA.
Kunz, T.H. & Robson, S.K. 1990. Comparative energetics of postnatal growth in two bat species living in the same cave. 20th Annual North American Symposium on Bat Research, University of Nebraska, U.S.A.
Robson, S.K., Kunz, T.H., Bell, G.P. & Nagy, K.A. 1989. Behavioral and energetic correlates of harem maintenance in the neotropical bat Phyllostomus hastatus. 8th International Bat Research Conference, University of New South Wales, Sydney, AUSTRALIA.
Robson, S.K., Kunz, T.H. & Oftedal, O.T.1988. Maternal investment and milk composition in the Mexican Free-tailed bat Tadarida brasiliensis. 18th Annual North American Symposium on Bat Research, University of Calgary, Calgary, CANADA.
Kunz, T.H. & Robson, S.K. 1988. Time activity budgets and the economy of harem maintenance in the greater spear-nosed bat Phyllostomus hastatus. 68th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists, Clemson Univeristy, Clemson, U.S.A.
Robson, S.K. & Young, W.G. 1988. A comparison of tooth microwear between an extinct marsupial predator, the Tasmanian Tiger Thylacinus cynocephalus (Thylacinidae) and an extant marsupial scavenger, the Tasmanian Devil Sarcophilus harrisii (Dasyuridae). 68th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists, Clemson University, Clemson, U.S.A.
Robson, S.K. & Kunz, T.H. 1987. Energetics of foraging in three species of microchiropteran bats. 17th Annual North American Symposium on Bat Research, University of Toronto & Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, CANADA.
Robson, S.K. & Rouse, G. 1986. An ultrastructural study of megachiropteran spermatozoa: Implications for chiropteran phylogeny. Seventh International Bat Research Conference & Third European Bat Research Meeting, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UNITED KINGDOM
Robson, S.K. & Pettigrew, J.D. 1986. Two origins for mammalian flight. 16th Annual North American Symposium on Bat Research, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, U.S.A.
Cummins, J.M., Robson, S.K., Rouse, G.W. & Graydon, M.1986. Ultrastructure of the ionophore-induced acrosome reaction in spermatozoa of the Grey Headed Flying Fox, Pteropus poliocephalus. 18th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Reproductive Biologists, University of Queensland, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA.
Robson, S.K. 1984. Myotis adversus: An opportunistic piscovore. Joint meeting of the Australian Mammal Society and American Society of Mammalogists, University of New South Wales, Sydney, AUSTRALIA.
Robson, S.K. 1983. Myotis adversus, Australia's fishing bat. 28th General Scientific Meeting of the Australian Mammal Society, University of New England, Armidale, AUSTRALIA.
Books/Films/Public Outreach:
Contributions to numerous documentaries, including "Life in the Undergrowth"
Robson, S.K. & Traniello, J.F.A. 1994. Simulation studies of collective decision-making in ants. In 'Cycles and Pixels: Computational Science and Visualization at Boston University'. (Producer E. Brisson). Scientific Computing & Visualization Group, Boston University.
Why have you become a Myrmecologist?:There is so much to be explained!
Personal comments: