Role
Dr Alex Dittrich is a Senior Lecturer for BSc (Hons) Zoology at NTU's Brackenhurst Campus, who teaches on the Research Skills, Aquatic Zoology and Specimens and Collections modules.
Career overview
Alex is an Ecologist and Zoologist with a diverse background in science and education. He is passionate about zoology and animal conservation - particularly the often-undersold invertebrates, taking pride in sharing this passion with others.
Alex was previously a lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, where he completed a PhD in insect ecology. He then moved to the University of Cumbria to take up a post as a Senior Lecturer in zoology.
Alex welcomes enquiries from prospective research collaborators and potential students.
Research areas
Alex has a particular interest in insect ecology and conservation, as well as a special interest in the true bugs - in particular the leafhoppers and planthoppers.
Publications
Dittrich, A. D. K. and Helden, A.J. (2020) Can monophagous specialists mediate host plant choices in generalist planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)? Ecological Entomology, 45: 1509-1512
Hardy, C., Sayyed, I., Leslie, A.D. and Dittrich, A.D.K. (2020). Effectiveness of insecticides, physical barriers and size of planting stock against damage by the pine weevil (Hylobius abietis). Crop Protection, 137, p.105307.
Mayhew, M., Danzy-Cramer, J., Dittrich, A.D.K, Armstrong, R. and Fenton, L. (2020). A new hotspot for Temminck’s Red Colobus (Piliocolobus badius temminckii) in The Gambia: the feasibility of a community approach to conservation. Primate Conservation, 34.
Kiddie, J., Bodymore, A. and Dittrich, A. (2017). Environmental Enrichment in Kennelled Pit Bull Terriers (Canis lupus familiaris). Animals, 7: 27.
Labonte D, Clemente CJ, Dittrich A, Kuo CY, Crosby AJ, Irschick DJ, Federle W. (2016) Extreme positive allometry of animal adhesive pads and the size limits of adhesion-based climbing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 9:201519459
For press on this article see: BBC & University of Cambridge
Helden A.J. & Dittrich A.D.K. (2016) Hemiptera community and species responses to grassland sward islets. Entomologica Austriaca 23: 19-28
Recent conferences
Dittrich, A.D.K. (2022) The challenges of rewilding in urban areas and effective insect monitoring using undergraduate students. ENTO22 The Royal Entomological Society Annual Conference. Lincoln UK
Labonte, D., Clemente, C., Dittrich A.D.K & Federle, W. (2016) Allometry of adhesive pad area in climbing animals from mites to geckos. Society of Experimental Biology, Annual Symposium. [Oral presentation] Prague, Czech Republic
Dittrich, A.D.K & Helden, A.J. (2015) The ecology and conservation of Ribautodelphax imitans a rare insect in a distinct grassland habitat [Oral Presentation]. European Hemiptera Congress. Styria, Austria
Press expertise
Alex is experienced in working with the press on species reintroductions, biodiversity issues and perceptions of animals in the general public, as well as talking about contemporary zoology issues.