Alban Pfeifer is conducting research on the behaviour and population ecology of Maculinea nausithous focusing on population size. Based on the knowledge that females need to distribute eggs among the flower heads of Sanguisorba officinalis as equally as possible to avoid competition among caterpillars, with a maximum of three being able to survive per flower head, the statistical distribution of eggs among flower heads is being predicted. He is investigating egg-laying strategies with the assistance of computer models. The aim of the research is to estimate population sizes by counting eggs and calculating the probability of overseeing a population, when no eggs are found in a flower head sample.

In the UK conservation management of the Large Blue Butterfly, Maculinea arion, sites has led to an increase in species abundance and diversity, in particular Myrmica sabuleti (Maculinea arion’s host) and Viola species. Zoe Randle is conducting research to find out what is happening on these sites and why this is happening. It is well known that Myrmica ants create microhabitats and enemy free space. Viola species have a seed with an elaiosome; the elaiosome is an ant attractant that may aid seed dispersal. Zoe is investigating the relationship between ants, plants and other invertebrates to ascertain the ecological function of ants within their ecosystem. Her PhD research is split into two parts: first the monitoring over time of a restoration site from scratch to assess the impact of management and re-colonisation rates of selected flora and fauna; second to investigate why high biodiversity exists on Maculinea arion sites. The following hypotheses are being tested:
i)High biodiversity exists because species share similar niches or the same guild
ii)High biodiversity exists as a result of the direct or indirect effect of ants on their community

Alex Singer aims to model and analyse the complex population-dynamics of Maculinea-systems, focusing on the influence of spatio-temporal structures. Taking Maculinea systems as a starting point for studies on space-dependent predator-prey-dynamics, he wants to understand, how space is percieved by different species in this type of ecological system and how patterns of interaction between different species process spatial and temporal heterogeniety. He hopes to use his modelling approach to deduce rules for the evaluation and management of habitat sites. Central questions:
i) Is space important to this predator-prey-system?
ii)How does the system process spatial patterns?
iii) What is the influence of temporal variations?

Piotr Skórka is interested in the behaviour of animals and its effect on population structure, in particular the influence of landscape structure on mobility patterns, behaviour at species’ boundaries and outside the natal patch. Furthermore, he is investigating the methodology of animal counting, looking for quick and innovative methods to estimate the population size of butterflies and ants.