Kenneth Raffa
PROFESSOR
Department of Entomology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
United States of America
Biography
Education: Ph.D. Washington State University-Pullman, 1980 (Entomology) MS University of Delaware, 1976 (Entomology) BS Saint Joseph’s College, 1972 (Biology) Research Interests: addresses mechanisms that drive the population dynamics of forest insects, with special emphasis on plant-insect interactions, predator-prey relationships, and insect-microbial-symbioses. We investigate each within the context of host plant properties that affect herbivore behavior, reproduction, and susceptibility to natural enemies, as well as herbivore counter-adaptations against multiple ecological constraints. He analyze biological thresholds and cross-scale interactions in insect outbreaks.His study systems involve insects that pose challenges to natural resource management, so this information can improve our ability to address invasive species, sustainable production systems, biodiversity, and global change.
Research Interest
Suborganismal, Organismal and Applied
Publications
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Erbilgin, N, & K.F. Raffa. 2000. Effects of host tree species on attractiveness of tunneling pine engravers, Ips pini (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), to conspecifics and insect predators. J. Chem. Ecol. 26: 823-840.
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Aukema, B. H., D.L. Dahlsten, & K. F. Raffa. 2000. Exploiting behavioral disparities among predators and prey to selectively target pests: Maximizing bark beetle: predator removal during semiochemically based trap-out. Environ. Entomol. 29: 651-660.
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Havill, N.P., & K.F. Raffa. 2000. Compound effects of induced plant responses on insect herbivores and parasitoids: Implications for tritrophic interactions. Ecol. Entomol. 25: 171-179.
