Dr David McAlpine
Research Fellow in Entomology
Qualifications
Bachelor of Science University of Sydney
Master of Science University of Sydney
PhD Imperial College, University of London
I became interested in entomology at the age of six through a children's book on butterflies, supplemented soon after by W. Gillies's 'First studies in insect life in Australasia'. I majored in Zoology at the University of Sydney where I also later completed a Master of Science degree. My supervisor A.R. Woodhill directed my research interest towards acalyptrate flies, and this work has occupied me ever since. I worked as one of the curatorial and research staff at the Australian Museum from 1955 to 1995, except for a period of study for my doctorate at Imperial College, University of London (1967-69). On retirement, I was able to continue as a Research Fellow at the Museum.
Research Interests
Continuing research projects include the systematics, behaviour, and evolution of acalyptrate flies. I have published original work on over 20 families of Diptera (flies). Families in which I have taken a significant interest include Signal Flies (Platystomatidae), Upside-down Flies (Neurochaetidae), Nobody Flies (Neminidae), Stilt Flies (Micropezidae), Heleomyzid Flies (Heleomyzidae or Heteromyzidae), Surge Flies (Canacidae, Zaleinae), Fern Flies (Teratomyzidae), Kelp Flies (Coelopidae), and Ironic Flies (Ironomyiidae).
I have carried out field work on Diptera in all Australian states, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Madagascar, Seychelles Islands, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, and England. I have visited museums in twelve countries to research their insect collections.
Contact Details
Phone: (+612) 9320 6344
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