Dr Kenneth Wilson Email: ken.wilson@lancaster.ac.uk Office: B33c; Laboratory B29 Department of Biological Sciences, Lancaster Environment Centre Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, Tel: (44)1524 593349 (direct line)  Fax: (44)1524 593192

Degrees:

• 1989 Ph.D. Evolutionary Ecology, University of Sheffield
• 1985 B.Sc.(Hons) Zoology, University of Nottingham

Academic Posts

• 2004-present Reader in Evolutionary Ecology, Lancaster University
• 2003-2004 Reader in Evolutionary Ecology, University of Stirling
• 1996-2003 Lecturer in Quantitative Ecology, University of Stirling
• 1993-1996 Research Associate, University of Cambridge
• 1989-1993 Research Officer, University of Wales, Bangor

Fellowships

• 1996-2001 NERC Advanced Research Fellow, University of Stirling

Teaching

• Masters module Population Ecology (ECOL418)
• 3rd year undergraduate module Trends in Environmental Biology (BIOL341)
• 2nd year undergraduate module Evolution and Behaviour (BIOL231)
• Undergraduate and Masters level projects

Other Activities

• Associate editor for BES’s Journal of Animal Ecology (2007-present)
  Associate editor for BES’s journal Functional Ecology (2005-present)
  Reviewing editor for ESEB’s Journal of Evolutionary Biology (2005-present)
  Editor for the ESA journals Ecology and Ecological Monographs
• Editor of the ASAB journal Animal Behaviour (2003-2006)
• Member of the NERC Peer Review College (2004-2007)
• Co-organizer of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour Summer Conference 2005

Research Interests

My research involves using epidemiological principles and life-history theory to explore the evolutionary interactions between parasites and their hosts, focussing particular attention on Lepidopteran larvae and their viral and fungal pathogens, especially in Africa; the St. Kildan population of Soay sheep and their nematode parasites; and, most recently, Svalbaard reindeer and their parasites. We tackle these objectives via an inter-disciplinary approach and by applying a combination of methods, including: statistical and simulation modelling, comparative analyses, quantitative genetics methods, field experiments, and physiological assays.

Examples of recent papers

Vilaplana L., Redman, E.M., Wilson, K. & Cory J.S. (2008) Density related variation in vertical transmission of a virus in the African armyworm. Oecologia 155: 237-246.

Grzywacz, D., Mushobozi, W.L., Parnell, M., Jolliffe, F. & Wilson, K. (2008) Evaluation of Spodoptera exempta nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpexNPV) for the field control of African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) in Tanzania. Crop Protection 27: 17-24.

Miller, M.R., White, A., Wilson, K. & Boots, M. (2007) The population dynamical implications of male-biased parasitism in different mating systems. PLoS ONE 2(7): e624.

Lee, K.P., Cory, J.S., Wilson, K., Raubenheimer, D. & Simpson, S.J. (2006) Flexible diet choice offsets protein costs of pathogen resistance in a caterpillar. Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B. 273: 823-829.

Cotter, S.L., Kruuk, L.E.B. & Wilson, K. (2004) Costs of resistance: genetic correlations and potential trade-offs in an insect immune system. Journal of Evolutionary Biology 17: 421- 429

Preston, B.T., Stevenson, I.R., Pemberton, J.M., Coltman, D.W. & Wilson, K. (2005) Male mate choice influences female promiscuity in Soay sheep. Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B. 272: 365-373.

Wilson, K. Moore, S.L. & Owens, I.P.F. (2003) Response to comment on "Parasites as a viability cost of sexual selection in natural populations of mammals". Science 300: 55.

Wilson, K., Knell, R., Boots, M. & Koch-Osborne, J. (2003) Group living and investment in immune defence: an inter-specific analysis. Journal of Animal Ecology 72: 133-143.

Moore, S.L. & Wilson, K. (2002) Parasites as a viability cost of sexual selection in natural populations of mammals. Science 297: 2015-2018.

Wilson, K., Thomas, M.B., Blanford, S., Dogett, M. Simpson, S.J. & Moore, S.L. (2002) Coping with crowds: density-dependent disease resistance in desert locusts. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 99: 5471-5475.

Wilson, K., Cotter, S.C., Reeson, AF, & Pell, J.K. (2001) Melanism and disease resistance in insects. Ecology Letters 4: 637-649.

Preston, BT, Stevenson, IR, Pemberton, JM & Wilson, K. (2001) Sperm depletion constrains male reproductive success in a promiscuous mammal. Nature 409: 681-682.

Present Research Projects

Ecology of Spodoptera exempta nucleopolyhedrovirus (funded by BBSRC-DFID “SARID”, NERC and DFID) Baculoviruses are often extremely host specific and this makes them useful as biocontrol agents. In this project we are trying to understand the ecology of the African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) and its baculovirus in an attempt to better understand their interaction and to use this knowledge to improve the use of the virus as a biocontrol agent. The fieldwork for this project is conducted in Tanzania and is conducted in collaboration with David Grzywacz (NRI, University of Greenwich), Dr Jenny Cory (Great Lakes Forest Centre), Wilfred Mushobozi (EcoAgriConsult Ltd), Seif Madoffe (Sokoine University of Agriculture) and Gaspar Mallya (Min. of Agriculture, Tanzania). Personnel: Dr Rob Graham, Phil Nott.

Melanism and disease resistance in insects (funded by NERC) In high-density populations, many insects become darker due to the deposition of melanin in their cuticle. Melanin has antimicrobial properties and it has been suggested that melanization of the cuticle is an adaptation to increase resistance to entomopathogens, especially fungi, which infect their hosts via the cuticle. This grant is selecting for melanic and non-melanic lines of Spodoptera caterpillars and will determine whether there is a correlated change in disease resistance. Personnel: Dr Sheena Cotter, Clare Benskin, Dr Kwang Lee.

Nutrition and disease resistance in insects(funded by NERC) This study is examining the nutritional constraints on the immune system of insects, using the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis, as a model organism. The study is focussing on the effects of macro- and micro-nutrients on immune function and resistance to entomopathogens, such as bacteria and baculoviruses. This work is conducted in collaboration with Prof Stephen Simpson (University of Sydney). Personnel: Dr Sheena Cotter,Dr Kwang Lee,  Sonia Povey.

Parasites and the costs of resistance in Soay sheep on St. Kilda (funded by NERC) Nematode parasites are a significant mortality factor for the feral population of Soay sheep living on St. Kilda in the Outer Hebrides, St. Kilda. However, little is known about the impact of parasites on the reproductive success of the sheep. This studentship is examining the impact of parasites on the behaviour and lambing success of female Soays and on the rutting behaviour of males. Personnel: Louisa Tempest.

Testosterone and mating behaviour of male Soay sheep (funded by The Royal Society and Lancaster University) This project uses a combination of plasma- and faeces-based assays to examine the relationship between testosterone and male rutting behaviour and success. This project is conducted in collaboration with Dr Brian Preston, Dr Steve Monfort (Smithsonian National Zoological Park), Dr Gerald Lincoln (University of Edinburgh) and Dr Ian Stevenson (Sunadal Data Solutions).

Sex-biased parasitism and immunity in insects (funded by NERC) This studentship is taking an experimental approach to examine sex differences in immunity and parasitism in insects, and is currently focussed on earwigs and cockroaches. The study builds on comparative analyses conducted with Dr Sarah Moore which showed that males tend to have weaker immunity and greater prevalence of parasites than females. Part of this study is being conducted in collaboration with Dr Joe Tomkins (University of St. Andrews). Personnel: Susan Williamson

Ecology of gastrointestinal nematodes of Svalbard reindeer (funded by NERC) In the high arctic, reindeer populations persist despite eight months of sub-zero temperatures. There is evidence that their parasites are also well adapted to these conditions. This project will investigate winter transmission of the parasite Marshallagia marshalli, and its impact on the reproduction and survival of reindeer living on Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway (78°N). The project is in collaboration with Prof Steve Albon and Dr Justin Irvine (Macaulay Institute) and Dr Steve Coulson (University Centre in Svalbard - UNIS) Personnel: Anja Carlsson.

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Publications

Papers

Vilaplana L., Redman, E.M., WILSON, K. & Cory J.S. (2008) Density related variation in vertical transmission of a virus in the African armyworm. Oecologia 155: 237-246.

Grzywacz, D., Mushobozi, W.L., Parnell, M., Jolliffe, F. & WILSON, K. (2008) Evaluation of Spodoptera exempta nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpexNPV) for the field control of African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) in Tanzania. Crop Protection 27: 17-24.

Miller, M.R., White, A., WILSON, K. & Boots, M. (2007) The population dynamical implications of male-biased parasitism in different mating systems. PLoS ONE 2(7): e624.

Lee, K.P., Cory, J.S., WILSON, K., Raubenheimer, D. & Simpson, S.J. (2006) Flexible diet choice offsets protein costs of pathogen resistance in a caterpillar. Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B. 273: 823-829.

Lee, K.P. & WILSON, K. (2006) Melanism in a larval Lepidopteran: repeatability and heritability of a dynamic trait. Ecological Entomology 31: 196-205.

Mushobozi, W.L., Grzywacz, D., Musebe, R., Kimani, M. & WILSON, K. (2005) New approaches to improve the livelihoods of poor farmers and pastoralists in Tanzania through monitoring and control of African armyworm, Spodoptera exempta. Aspects of Applied Biology 75: 37-45.

Preston, B.T., Stevenson, I.R., Pemberton, J.M., Coltman, D.W. & WILSON, K. (2005) Male mate choice influences female promiscuity in Soay sheep. Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B. 272: 365-373.

Cotter, S.L., Hails, R.S., Cory, J.S. & WILSON, K. (2004) Density-dependent prophylaxis and condition-dependent immune function in Lepidopteran larvae: a multivariate approach. J. Anim. Ecol. 73: 283-293.

Cotter, S.L., Kruuk, L.E.B. & WILSON, K. (2004) Costs of resistance: genetic correlations and potential trade-offs in an insect immune system. J. Evol. Biol: 17: 421- 429.

Preston, B.T., Stevenson, I.R. & WILSON, K. (2003) Soay rams target reproductive activity towards promiscuous females' optimal insemination period. Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B. 270: 2073-2078.

WILSON, K., Moore, S.L. & Owens, I.P.F. (2003) Response to comment on "Parasites as a viability cost of sexual selection in natural populations of mammals". Science 300: 55.

Preston, B.T., Stevenson, I.R., Pemberton, J.M., Coltman, D.W. & WILSON, K. (2003) Overt and covert competition in a promiscuous mammal: the importance of weaponry and testes size to male reproductive success. Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B. 270: 633-640.

WILSON, K., Knell, R., Boots, M. & Koch-Osborne, J. (2003) Group living and investment in immune defence: an inter-specific analysis. Journal of Animal Ecology 72: 133-143.

Moore, S.L. & WILSON, K. (2002) Parasites as a viability cost of sexual selection in natural populations of mammals. Science 297: 2015-2018.

WILSON, K., Thomas, M.B., Blanford, S., Dogett, M. Simpson, S.J. & Moore, S.L. (2002) Coping with crowds: density-dependent disease resistance in desert locusts. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 99: 5471-5475.

Cotter, S.C. & WILSON, K (2002) Heritability of immune function in the caterpillar Spodoptera littoralis. Heredity 88: 229-234.

Coltman, D, Pilkington, JG, Kruuk, LEB, WILSON, K, & Pemberton, JM (2001) Positive genetic correlation between parasite resistance and body size in a free-living ungulate population. Evolution 55: 2116-2125.

WILSON, K., Cotter, S.C., Reeson, AF, & Pell, J.K. (2001) Melanism and disease resistance in insects. Ecology Letters 4: 637-649.

Stevenson, I.R. & WILSON, K. (2001) Costs of reproduction: egg production takes its toll. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 16: 539.

Coltman, D, WILSON, K, Pilkington, JG, Stear, MJ & Pemberton, JM (2001) A microsatellite polymorphism in the gamma interferon gene is associated with resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in a naturally-parasitised population of Soay sheep. Parasitology 122: 571-582.

WILSON, K (2001) The costs of resistance in Drosophila: blood cells count. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 16: 72-73.

Preston, BT, Stevenson, IR, Pemberton, JM & WILSON, K (2001) Sperm depletion constrains male reproductive success in a promiscuous mammal. Nature 409: 681-682.

WILSON, K (2000) Global warming and the spread of disease: the debate heats up. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 15: 489.

Grenfell BT, Finkenstadt BF, WILSON, K, Coulson TN & Crawley MJ (2000) Ecology: Nonlinearity and the Moran effect. Nature 406: 847.

WILSON, K (2000) Parasite manipulation: how extensive is the extended phenotype? Trends in Ecology and Evolution 15: 395.

Reeson, AF, WILSON, K, Cory, J.S., Hankard, P, Weeks, JM, Goulson, D & Hails, RS (2000) Effects of phenotypic plasticity on pathogen transmission in the field in a Lepidoptera-NPV system. Oecologia 124: 373-380.

WILSON, K. (2000) How the locust got its stripes: the evolution of density-dependent aposematism. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 14: 88-90.

White, K.A.J. & WILSON, K (1999) Modelling density-dependent resistance in insect-pathogen interactions. Theoretical Population Biology 56: 163-181.

WILSON, K, Stevenson, I. & Pemberton, J. (1999) Horny Soays - the mystery of the scurs. The ARK 27: 100-101.

Smith, J.A., WILSON, K, Pilkington, J.G. & Pemberton, J.M. (1999) Heritable variation to gastrointestinal nematodes in an unmanaged mammal population. Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B. 266: 1283-1290.

Owens, I.P.F. & WILSON, K (1999) Immunocompetence: a neglected life history trait or conspicuous red herring? Trends in Ecology and Evolution 14: 170-172.

Hartley, I.R., Griffith, S., WILSON, K., Shepherd, M. & Burke, T. (1999) Nestling sex ratios in the polygynously breeding corn bunting, Miliaria calandra. Journal of Avian Biology 30: 7-14.

Reeson, AF, WILSON, K, Gunn, A, Hails, RS & Goulson, D (1998) Baculovirus resistance in the noctuid Spodoptera exempta is phenotypically plastic and responds to population density. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B 265: 1787-1791.

Grenfell BT, WILSON, K, Finkenstadt BF, Coulson TN, Murray S, Albon SD, Pemberton JM, Clutton-Brock TH & Crawley MJ (1998) Noise and determinism in synchronised sheep dynamics. Nature 394: 674-677.

Paterson, S., WILSON, K., & Pemberton, J.M. (1998) Major histocompatibility complex variation associated with juvenile survival and parasite resistance in a large unmanaged ungulate population (Ovis aries L.). Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 95: 3714-3719.

Tompkins, D & WILSON, K (1998) Wildlife Disease Ecology: from Theory to Policy. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 13: 476-478.

WILSON, K. & Reeson, A.F. (1998) Density-dependent prophylaxis: evidence from Lepidoptera-baculovirus interactions? Ecological Entomology 23: 100-101.

Barron, A & WILSON, K (1998) Overwintering survival in the seven spot ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). European Journal of Entomology 95: 639-642.

WILSON, K., Eady, P.E. & del Nevo, A.J. (1998) Origin of an insular population of the wood mouse based on parasitological evidence. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 34: 150-154.

Clutton-Brock, WILSON, K., & Stevenson, I.R. (1997) Density-dependent selection on horn phenotype in Soay sheep. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society 352: 839-850.

Clutton-Brock, T.H., Illius, A., WILSON, K., MacColl, A. & Albon, S.D. (1997) Stability and instability in ungulate populations: an empirical analysis. The American Naturalist 149: 195-219.

WILSON, K. & Grenfell, B.T. (1997) Generalized linear modelling for parasitologists. Parasitology Today 13: 33-38.

WILSON, K., Grenfell, B.T. & Shaw, D.J. (1996) Analysis of aggregated parasite distributions: a comparison of methods. Functional Ecology 10: 592-601.

Grenfell, B.T., WILSON, K., Isham, V.S., Boyd, H.E.G. & Dietz, K. (1995) Modelling patterns of parasite aggregation in natural populations: trichostrongylid nematode-ruminant interactions as a case study. Parasitology 111: S135-151.

WILSON, K., Gunn, A. & Cherrett, J.M. (1995) The application of a rhizotron to study the subterranean effects of pesticides. Pedobiologia 39: 132-143.

WILSON, K. & Lessells, C.M. (1994) Evolution of clutch size in insects. I. A review of static optimality models. Journal of Evolutionary Biology 7: 339-363.

WILSON, K. (1994) Evolution of clutch size in insects. II. A test of static optimality models using the beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Journal of Evolutionary Biology 7: 365-386.

WILSON, K. (1993) A novel method for estimating the pre-reproductive period of female African armyworm moths, Spodoptera exempta. Insect Science and its Applications 14: 325-331.

WILSON, K. & Gatehouse, A.G. (1993) Seasonal and geographical variation in the migratory potential of outbreak populations of the African armyworm moth, Spodoptera exempta. Journal of Animal Ecology 62: 169-181.

WILSON, K. & Gatehouse, A.G. (1992) Migration and genetics of pre-reproductive period in the moth Spodoptera exempta (African armyworm). Heredity 69: 255-262.

WILSON, K. & Hill, L. (1989) Factors affecting egg maturation in the bean weevil Callosobruchus maculatus. Physiological Entomology 14: 115-126.

WILSON, K. (1988) Egg-laying decisions by the bean weevil Callosobruchus maculatus. Ecological Entomology 13: 107-118.

WILSON, K. & Edwards, J. (1986) The effects of parasitic infection on the behaviour of an intermediate host: the American cockroach Periplaneta americana infected with the acanthocephalan Moniliformis moniliformis. Animal Behaviour 34: 942-944.

Book chapters

WILSON, K. & Cotter, S.C. (2008) Density-dependent prophylaxis in insects. In: Ananthakrishnan, T.N. & Whitman, T.W. (eds.) Insects and Phenotypic Plasticity (pp 381-420). Science Publishers, Inc., Enfield.

Grzywacz, D., Mushobozi, W., Moscardi, F., Cory, J.S., Ray, R. & WILSON, K (2006) Novel Technologies for control of African Armyworm on smallholder cereals in East Africa. In: Perspectives on Pests II. (Sweetmore A., Ed) Natural Resources International Ltd, Alyesford, pp 93-95.

WILSON, K. (2005) Evolutionary ecology of insect host-parasite interactions: an ecological immunology perspective. Chapter 10, In: Fellowes, M. & Rolff, J. (eds.) Insect Evolutionary Ecology (pp 289-341), CABI.

WILSON, K., Grenfell, B.T., Pilkington, J.G., Boyd, H.E.G. & Gulland, F.M.D. (2004) Parasites and their impact. Chapter 5, In: Clutton-Brock, T.H. & Pemberton, J.M. (eds.) Soay Sheep: Population Dynamics and Selection on St. Kilda (pp 113-165). Cambridge University Press.

Clutton-Brock, T.H., Grenfell, B.T., Coulson, T.N., WILSON, K., Crawley, M., & Albon, S.D. (2004) Population dynamics. Chapter 2, In: Clutton-Brock, T.H. & Pemberton, J.M. (eds.) Soay Sheep: Population Dynamics and Selection on St. Kilda (pp 52-88). Cambridge University Press.

Stevenson, I.R., Marrow, P., Preston, B.T., Pemberton, J.M. & WILSON, K. (2004) Adaptive reproductive strategies. Chapter 9, In: Clutton-Brock, T.H. & Pemberton, J.M. (eds.) Soay Sheep: Population Dynamics and Selection on St. Kilda (pp 243-275). Cambridge University Press.

WILSON, K. & Hardy, I.C.W. (2002) Statistical analysis of sex ratios: an introduction. Chapter 3, In: Hardy, I.C.W (ed.) Sex Ratios: Concepts and Research Methods (pp 48-92). Cambridge University Press.

WILSON, K., Bjørnstad, O.N., Dobson, A.P., Merler, S., Poglayen, G., Randolph, S.E., Read, A.F. & Skorping, A. (2002) Heterogeneities in macroparasite infections: patterns and processes. Chapter 2, In: Hudson, P.J., Rizzoli, A., Grenfell, B.T., Heesterbeek, J.A.P. & Dobson, A.P. (eds.) The Ecology of Wildlife Diseases (pp 6 - 44). Oxford University Press.

Tompkins, D.M., Arneberg, P., Begon, M.E., Cattadori, I.M., Greenman, J.V., Heesterbeek, J.A.P., Hudson, P.J., Newborn, D., Pugliese, A., Rizzoli, A.P., Rosà, R. & WILSON, K. (2002) Parasites and host population dynamics. Chapter 3, In: Hudson, P.J., Rizzoli, A., Grenfell, B.T., Heesterbeek, J.A.P. & Dobson, A.P. (eds.) The Ecology of Wildlife Diseases (pp 45 - 62). Oxford University Press.

Swinton, J., Woolhouse, M.E.J., Begon, M.E., Dobson, A.P., Ferroglio, E., Grenfell, B.T., Guberti, V., Hails, R.S., Heesterbeek, J.A.P., Lavazza, A., Roberts, M.G., White, P.J. & WILSON, K. (2002) Microparasite transmission and persistence. Chapter 5, In: Hudson, P.J., Rizzoli, A., Grenfell, B.T., Heesterbeek, J.A.P. & Dobson, A.P. (eds.) The Ecology of Wildlife Diseases (pp 83 - 101). Oxford University Press.

WILSON, K. (1998) Migration, insects. pp. 244-250, In: Knobil, E. & Neill, J.D. (eds.) Encyclopedia of Reproduction. Academic Press.

WILSON, K. (1995) Insect migration in heterogeneous environments. pp 243-264, In: Drake, V.A. & Gatehouse, A.G. (eds.) Insect Migration: Tracking Resources in Time and Space. Cambridge University Press.

Read, A.F., Albon, S.D., Antonovics, J., Apanius, V., Dwyer, G., Holt, R.D., Judson, O., Lively, C.M., Martin-Löf, A., McLean, A.R., Metz, J.A.J., Schmid-Hempel, P., Thrall, P.H., Via, S. & WILSON, K. (1995) Genetics and evolution of infectious diseases in natural populations. pp 450-477, In: Grenfell, B.T. & Dobson, A.P. (eds.) Ecology of Infectious Diseases in Natural Populations. Cambridge University Press.

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