Peter Yeeles

Peter Yeeles is a Research Fellow at James Cook University (JCU) specializing in insect ecology and invasive species management. His research focuses on ant community ecology, functional traits, and the ecological impacts of invasive ants, particularly the yellow crazy ant. He holds a PhD from the University of Western Australia (2017), where he studied ant community reassembly during habitat restoration.

His research interests include field experimentation, biodiversity conservation, and the effects of human interventions on invertebrate communities. He has led or contributed to seven projects, including science-backed support for yellow crazy ant eradication efforts in the Wet Tropics and investigations into bee health under environmental stressors like insecticides and heat.

Key research themes in his publications include invasive ant ecology, insect taxonomy (e.g., mantodea), and the sublethal effects of pesticides on pollinators. His work emphasizes applied conservation strategies, such as optimizing invasive species management and understanding biodiversity responses to environmental changes.

Dr. Yeeles collaborates with institutions like the Wet Tropics Management Authority and has advised several Honours and PhD students on topics ranging from bee hotels to soil macroinvertebrates. Despite his extensive contributions, he has not yet received any scientific awards listed in his profile.