Spotlight: PhD Student Thandwa Dlamini - University of Pretoria & KwaZulu-Natal Museum, South Africa

My name is Thandwa Dlamini from the Kingdom of Eswatini, and I have been working at the University of Eswatini as a laboratory technician in the Crop Production Department, Entomology Laboratory. I have been involved in support teaching by demonstrating practical techniques essential for studying insects and for other modules, including microbiology, plant pathology, and weed management.

I have over 10 years of experience in the field of entomology, and I developed a huge passion for entomology from my undergraduate studies, which led me to pursue a career in the field. While working at the University of Eswatini, I have had the opportunity to work and collaborate with experts in entomology, gaining valuable research skills such as project planning and management, data analysis, writing, presenting, and teaching. I have developed a strong background in taxonomy, ecology, and applied research in entomology, helping students design and manage their research projects. I have worked on a study on the genetic diversity of stemborers in Eswatini and have published work in that regard.

I have an MSc in Entomology from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. My MSc project studied the prospects for using entomopathogenic nematodes as a biocontrol agent against Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis, Thysanoptera: Thripidae). From this study, I gained in-depth skills in morphology, perfected my microscope skills, and learned the basics of molecular entomology. I also gained expertise in biological control, particularly the use of entomopathogenic nematodes in laboratory bioassays and field applications. I am proud to have been the first author of a published study from this research.

I have been selected as one of the recipients of the DIPoDIP 2 project scholarships to pursue a PhD in Entomology. My research will be titled Taxonomic Revision, Biogeography, and Distribution Modeling of the Hover Fly Genus Monoceromyia (Syrphidae, Eristalinae), and I will be supervised by Dr. John Midgley (KwaZulu-Natal Museum, South Africa), Prof. Catherine Sole (University of Pretoria, South Africa), and Dr. Kurt Jordaens (AfricaMuseum, Belgium).

This PhD project aims to revise the taxonomy of the Afrotropical representatives of the wasp-mimicking genus Monoceromyia. The taxonomic revision will serve as the foundation for further research in my PhD, focusing on the ecology, distribution, and systematics of Monoceromyia. The project offers an opportunity to become a well-trained entomologist in various areas of entomology, including taxonomy, molecular entomology, phylogenetics, and species distribution modeling.

I am grateful for this life-changing career opportunity granted by the DIPoDIP project to further my PhD studies. This will allow me to expand my scientific knowledge and showcase my passion for research in entomology. I hope to contribute significantly to the success of this project and be part of the team of young entomologists trained to identify Afrotropical Diptera. My greatest desire is to mentor future generations of entomologists in Eswatini and beyond and contribute to the field by conducting impactful research.

First published in the PINDIP Newsletter on 31 March 2025. Sign up for the PINDIP newsletter at https://www.pindip.org/

Spotlight: PhD student Ben de la Fontaine - University of Pretoria and KwaZulu-Natal Museum, South Africa

I am Benjamin de la Fontaine, entomologist and PhD student at the KwaZulu-Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg and the University of Pretoria. My research focus is the taxonomic revision of the Afrotropical nose fly genus Rhyncomya (Calliphoridae: Rhiniinae) as part of the DIPoDIP project. I graduated with a joint BSc in Entomology and Botany, and presently an MSc in Entomology, at Rhodes University in Makhanda. Before transferring to the DIPoDIP Project, I worked on an international biological control project for invasive grasses at the Centre for Biological Control in my capacity as a postgraduate student. It was during this time that I became interested in the systematics of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) and used genetics and morphology to identify several new species, some with potential biocontrol applications. I have also published and presented research on the fire ecology of southern African mound termites (Termitidae).

Rhyncomya and other nose flies are thought to be an important guild of pollinators. The genus occurs throughout Africa, Europe and Asia, but is most speciose in the Afrotropical region. My goal for the next three years is to expand the collection of Afrotropical Rhyncomya to include their unusual termitophilous larvalstage and link these to the adult stage, which has never been done before. This will involve next-generation sequencing techniques and biogeographic modelling of the distributions of Rhyncomya species and their termite hosts. In the process, I will revise the taxonomy of the genus based on phylogenetic relationships and larval-adult morphology, and produce a comprehensive key for the whole Afrotropical region.

First published in the PINDIP Newsletter on 31 March 2025. Sign up for the PINDIP newsletter at https://www.pindip.org/

Call for applications: Sixth entomological training course: October, South Africa 

Organisation: The training will be organized by several institutions: the Africa Museum (RMCA) in Belgium, and the KwaZulu-Natal Museum and Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and be supported by the University of Pretoria and the Burundian Office for the Protection of the Environment (Burundi).

Background:The objective of this group training is to ensure, for the sake of the African scientists or the persons confronted with the problem, a basic training on the identification and ecology of African Diptera, with special emphasis on those families (e.g., Bombyliidae, Calliphoridae, Nemestrinidae, Rhiniidae, Syrphidae, and pangonine Tabanidae) that have a significant role in plant-pollinator networks.The training course shall consist of ex-cathedra courses on morphology, classification, identification, identification methods, collection methods, and conservation methods of Diptera, with a focus on the target families listed above. Practical exercises will be used to comment on, and test, the topics presented in the courses.

Participants shall be asked to bring material they collected so it can be identified during practical work sessions. Likewise, should they have large data sets at their disposal, these may also be analysed.

When/where?: The course will take place at the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, in the Western Cape province of South Africa from13-24 October 2025 and be taught in English.

Participant profile and admission requirement:

The training can receive 10-12 participants, among whom researchers and employees who are confronted with pollinating flies on a professional level. They may be employees from agricultural institutes, professors of agricultural faculties, researchers from national or international institutions, etc. Participants must have a minimum level of knowledge in basic Diptera ecology. The candidates’ maximum age at the start of the training should not exceed 45 years. Only applications from people with residence in Sub-Saharan Africa and working for an institution,ministry, research institute or university can be taken into consideration. Applications from consultants orindividuals cannot be accepted. Candidates must be citizens of one of the following countries: Benin, Burundi,Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali,Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Scientists with a diploma other than MSc or PhD. should demonstrate a record of substantial work related to the subject that is presented (Diptera of the target families; plant-pollinator networks, etc.). All applications will be subject to an evaluation by internal experts. Applications are received between 1 April and 10 July 2025 (midnight).

More information on the trainings organized by the AfricaMuseum can be found on:http://www.africamuseum.be/research/collaborations/training . The call and application from can be downloaded from thePINDIP-website: https://www.pindip.org/trainings 

Contact: Kurt Jordaens at kurt.jordaens[at]africamuseum.be

First published in the PINDIP Newsletter on 31 March 2025. Sign up for the PINDIP newsletter at https://www.pindip.org/