Justin Cappadonna
@justin-the-grub.bsky.social
Lecturer in Entomology at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (The University of Tasmania).
I'm a nerd that is into understanding: insect behavior, generalist life histories, as well as how insects have influenced culture, technology, and history.
I'm a nerd that is into understanding: insect behavior, generalist life histories, as well as how insects have influenced culture, technology, and history.
I've been exploring how to use #GenerativeAI to create engaging narratives. Check out this thread to read about my discussion with ChatGPT about why it gave me misleading "facts"
The results were fascinating.
I'm going to start asking why I was given particular responses more often now.
🧵 1/6
The results were fascinating.
I'm going to start asking why I was given particular responses more often now.
🧵 1/6
September 1, 2025 at 11:50 PM
I've been exploring how to use #GenerativeAI to create engaging narratives. Check out this thread to read about my discussion with ChatGPT about why it gave me misleading "facts"
The results were fascinating.
I'm going to start asking why I was given particular responses more often now.
🧵 1/6
The results were fascinating.
I'm going to start asking why I was given particular responses more often now.
🧵 1/6
#Biosecurity safeguards our #NaturalEcosystems & #Agriculture. This is the final week to send in your nominations for the Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards (closes 31 Aug). Do you know any individuals or organisations that have helped enhance Tasmania's biosecurity? Nominate them at buff.ly/9DgqGw6.
Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
About the Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards: what they are and the criteria for nominations.
buff.ly
August 24, 2025 at 11:50 PM
#Biosecurity safeguards our #NaturalEcosystems & #Agriculture. This is the final week to send in your nominations for the Tasmanian Biosecurity Awards (closes 31 Aug). Do you know any individuals or organisations that have helped enhance Tasmania's biosecurity? Nominate them at buff.ly/9DgqGw6.
Reposted by Justin Cappadonna
⏰ Honours and postgrad entomology students; Only one week left to submit your entry for the Phil Carne Prize! Get your paper in by 31 August for a chance at $1500 and AES conference recognition. For details visit: buff.ly/J5J4zWs
The Phil Carne Prize
Images provided by Peter Chew www.brisbaneinsects.com
buff.ly
August 23, 2025 at 10:15 PM
⏰ Honours and postgrad entomology students; Only one week left to submit your entry for the Phil Carne Prize! Get your paper in by 31 August for a chance at $1500 and AES conference recognition. For details visit: buff.ly/J5J4zWs
Check out the Tasmanian Country Hour talking to hear about real-time #CodlingMoth #PestMonitoring using #agtech developed by RapidAIM (buff.ly/mZJ70Fk at 6:21). Funded by the JM Roberts Charitable Trust. Support by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (UTAS) @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
August 20, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Check out the Tasmanian Country Hour talking to hear about real-time #CodlingMoth #PestMonitoring using #agtech developed by RapidAIM (buff.ly/mZJ70Fk at 6:21). Funded by the JM Roberts Charitable Trust. Support by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (UTAS) @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
Kudos to the UTAS Agricultural Science Society for an incredible networking evening! Led by the Tasmanian Institute of #Agriculture's undergrads, the event united various agriculture professionals, Nuffield Australia (scholarship providers), and students. - @utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
August 20, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Kudos to the UTAS Agricultural Science Society for an incredible networking evening! Led by the Tasmanian Institute of #Agriculture's undergrads, the event united various agriculture professionals, Nuffield Australia (scholarship providers), and students. - @utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
If you grow #potatoes in #Tasmania, please check your crops for diseases.
Potato mop-top virus ( #PMTV ) has been detected in Tasmania for the 1st time. To the best of our knowledge, this virus is not widespread in the region yet, but it is crucial to be vigilant for this disease. - buff.ly/A7ovJ8g
Potato mop-top virus ( #PMTV ) has been detected in Tasmania for the 1st time. To the best of our knowledge, this virus is not widespread in the region yet, but it is crucial to be vigilant for this disease. - buff.ly/A7ovJ8g
lnkd.in
August 13, 2025 at 11:45 PM
If you grow #potatoes in #Tasmania, please check your crops for diseases.
Potato mop-top virus ( #PMTV ) has been detected in Tasmania for the 1st time. To the best of our knowledge, this virus is not widespread in the region yet, but it is crucial to be vigilant for this disease. - buff.ly/A7ovJ8g
Potato mop-top virus ( #PMTV ) has been detected in Tasmania for the 1st time. To the best of our knowledge, this virus is not widespread in the region yet, but it is crucial to be vigilant for this disease. - buff.ly/A7ovJ8g
Sometimes I forget that the University of Tasmania has both historic trams and a community garden in the middle of the Inveresk Campus.
@utas.edu.au
@utas.edu.au
August 5, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Sometimes I forget that the University of Tasmania has both historic trams and a community garden in the middle of the Inveresk Campus.
@utas.edu.au
@utas.edu.au
🪲🍓 Tiny #beetle; big concern -- The Bronze Leaf Beetle has been damaging Tasmanian berries. If you are growing #strawberries, #raspberries, etc., keep an eye out for these little critters. Read about it here (buff.ly/3ndZAEJ) or listen on the radio (buff.ly/IqR0rEX). @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
July 16, 2025 at 12:18 AM
🪲🍓 Tiny #beetle; big concern -- The Bronze Leaf Beetle has been damaging Tasmanian berries. If you are growing #strawberries, #raspberries, etc., keep an eye out for these little critters. Read about it here (buff.ly/3ndZAEJ) or listen on the radio (buff.ly/IqR0rEX). @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
🍎🍐 It was so exciting to see the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture & UTAS Community Gardens team host such a fun event. I learned a lot about #apple& #pear #pruning, but I also enjoyed meeting new people while savoring warm mulled cider. 😁 @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
The revitalisation of the heritage orchard at the University of Tasmania's Newnham campus is underway!
TIA’s tree crop physiologist Dr Leticia Reis and entomologist Dr Justin Cappadonna recently hosted a pruning workshop, 'Prune-iversity.'
📹Watch some of the action.
www.youtube.com/shorts/KkLza...
TIA’s tree crop physiologist Dr Leticia Reis and entomologist Dr Justin Cappadonna recently hosted a pruning workshop, 'Prune-iversity.'
📹Watch some of the action.
www.youtube.com/shorts/KkLza...
Heritage orchard pruning workshop
YouTube video by Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
www.youtube.com
July 10, 2025 at 11:27 PM
🍎🍐 It was so exciting to see the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture & UTAS Community Gardens team host such a fun event. I learned a lot about #apple& #pear #pruning, but I also enjoyed meeting new people while savoring warm mulled cider. 😁 @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
Reposted by Justin Cappadonna
Did you know our Newnham campus is home to an orchard that dates back to the 1800s?
A rehabilitation of the orchard is underway.
TIA’s tree crop physiologist Leticia Reis and entomologist Justin Cappadonna hosted a workshop to teach attendees how to prune apple trees and keep an orchard healthy. 👍
A rehabilitation of the orchard is underway.
TIA’s tree crop physiologist Leticia Reis and entomologist Justin Cappadonna hosted a workshop to teach attendees how to prune apple trees and keep an orchard healthy. 👍
July 3, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Did you know our Newnham campus is home to an orchard that dates back to the 1800s?
A rehabilitation of the orchard is underway.
TIA’s tree crop physiologist Leticia Reis and entomologist Justin Cappadonna hosted a workshop to teach attendees how to prune apple trees and keep an orchard healthy. 👍
A rehabilitation of the orchard is underway.
TIA’s tree crop physiologist Leticia Reis and entomologist Justin Cappadonna hosted a workshop to teach attendees how to prune apple trees and keep an orchard healthy. 👍
A huge thank you goes out to Leticia Reis, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture team, & the University of Tasmania Community Gardens staff for helping this event run so well.
I'm looking forward to the upcoming revitalization events later this year.
@tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au #apple #pear
I'm looking forward to the upcoming revitalization events later this year.
@tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au #apple #pear
The revitalisation of the heritage orchard at the University of Tasmania's Newnham campus is underway!
TIA’s tree crop physiologist Dr Leticia Reis and entomologist Dr Justin Cappadonna recently hosted a pruning workshop, 'Prune-iversity.'
📹Watch some of the action.
www.youtube.com/shorts/KkLza...
TIA’s tree crop physiologist Dr Leticia Reis and entomologist Dr Justin Cappadonna recently hosted a pruning workshop, 'Prune-iversity.'
📹Watch some of the action.
www.youtube.com/shorts/KkLza...
Heritage orchard pruning workshop
YouTube video by Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
www.youtube.com
July 8, 2025 at 12:08 AM
A huge thank you goes out to Leticia Reis, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture team, & the University of Tasmania Community Gardens staff for helping this event run so well.
I'm looking forward to the upcoming revitalization events later this year.
@tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au #apple #pear
I'm looking forward to the upcoming revitalization events later this year.
@tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au #apple #pear
Reposted by Justin Cappadonna
Are you a berry grower in Tasmania? 🍓
Our entomologists are advising berry growers in the state to be aware of an emerging pest, the Bronze Leaf Beetle.
Bronze Leaf Beetles chew on leaves, flowers and fruits, causing poor quality and reduced yields.
Read more details 👉 bit.ly/43WaGaf
Our entomologists are advising berry growers in the state to be aware of an emerging pest, the Bronze Leaf Beetle.
Bronze Leaf Beetles chew on leaves, flowers and fruits, causing poor quality and reduced yields.
Read more details 👉 bit.ly/43WaGaf
June 23, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Are you a berry grower in Tasmania? 🍓
Our entomologists are advising berry growers in the state to be aware of an emerging pest, the Bronze Leaf Beetle.
Bronze Leaf Beetles chew on leaves, flowers and fruits, causing poor quality and reduced yields.
Read more details 👉 bit.ly/43WaGaf
Our entomologists are advising berry growers in the state to be aware of an emerging pest, the Bronze Leaf Beetle.
Bronze Leaf Beetles chew on leaves, flowers and fruits, causing poor quality and reduced yields.
Read more details 👉 bit.ly/43WaGaf
Recently, I was invited to speak with the Australian Plants Society Tasmania. We discussed #pollinator #conservation on #farms, & the importance of "refuges" amongst monoculture (single crop) fields. It was great to meet so many engaged & passionate gardeners. - @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
June 22, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Recently, I was invited to speak with the Australian Plants Society Tasmania. We discussed #pollinator #conservation on #farms, & the importance of "refuges" amongst monoculture (single crop) fields. It was great to meet so many engaged & passionate gardeners. - @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
Functional diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the engine of ecosystem resilience.
A new study shows that the stability of ecological communities depends not just on species richness, but what functional roles those species play.
Ref: Rodrigues et al. (2025): buff.ly/OXHb2RH
🧵(1/5)
A new study shows that the stability of ecological communities depends not just on species richness, but what functional roles those species play.
Ref: Rodrigues et al. (2025): buff.ly/OXHb2RH
🧵(1/5)
June 15, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Functional diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the engine of ecosystem resilience.
A new study shows that the stability of ecological communities depends not just on species richness, but what functional roles those species play.
Ref: Rodrigues et al. (2025): buff.ly/OXHb2RH
🧵(1/5)
A new study shows that the stability of ecological communities depends not just on species richness, but what functional roles those species play.
Ref: Rodrigues et al. (2025): buff.ly/OXHb2RH
🧵(1/5)
Today was a #cold start to the day in #Launceston as I was getting ready to head to work ( @tia.utas.edu.au , @utas.edu.au ). Beautiful, but I did have to spend a bit longer scaping the ice off my beard.
June 12, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Today was a #cold start to the day in #Launceston as I was getting ready to head to work ( @tia.utas.edu.au , @utas.edu.au ). Beautiful, but I did have to spend a bit longer scaping the ice off my beard.
I didn't intend for things to get so dirty, but when I visited the University of Tasmania gardens to discuss a partnership with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (STAY TUNED) we ended up talking about their amazing #composting machine in the heart of campus.
@utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
@utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
June 8, 2025 at 10:50 PM
I didn't intend for things to get so dirty, but when I visited the University of Tasmania gardens to discuss a partnership with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (STAY TUNED) we ended up talking about their amazing #composting machine in the heart of campus.
@utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
@utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
The term #bug likely comes from the Middle English "bugge," meaning something frightening, perhaps inspired by a #bedbug (buff.ly/oH1GdRv ). References to blood-feeding "bedbugs" date back to the 1620s. New evidence shows these pests have plagued humans for much longer...
Bug - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Bug, of unknown origin possibly from Middle English bugge ("scarecrow"), means insect; also to bulge, annoy, flee, or equip with a concealed mic. Origin and meani...
www.etymonline.com
June 1, 2025 at 10:50 PM
The term #bug likely comes from the Middle English "bugge," meaning something frightening, perhaps inspired by a #bedbug (buff.ly/oH1GdRv ). References to blood-feeding "bedbugs" date back to the 1620s. New evidence shows these pests have plagued humans for much longer...
🔥Wildfires are a reality, but I hadn't realized how much #smoke can alter #wine flavor. Even if the grapes taste fine, the wine might still be unpleasant. 🤢 Check out TIA's research on Tasmanian Country Hour at 12:30. Learn more: buff.ly/ZCumEj6 @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au #WineTasting
Tasmanian Country Hour - ABC listen
Rural news and events from Tasmania and the nation.
buff.ly
May 25, 2025 at 10:50 PM
🔥Wildfires are a reality, but I hadn't realized how much #smoke can alter #wine flavor. Even if the grapes taste fine, the wine might still be unpleasant. 🤢 Check out TIA's research on Tasmanian Country Hour at 12:30. Learn more: buff.ly/ZCumEj6 @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au #WineTasting
Happy World Bee Day! While it is still a bit chilly over here at UTAS, I am looking forward to planting flowers (in spring) to support #pollinators that underpin #agriculture & native ecosystems.
However you celebrate, remember to #bee yourself and do your own sting. @utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
However you celebrate, remember to #bee yourself and do your own sting. @utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
Happy World Bee Day! 🐝🐝
World Bee Day is an annual event that raises awareness of the importance of bees and the vital role they play in food production, biodiversity and ecosystem health.
TIA entomologist Justin Cappadonna will certainly be celebrating! 👍🥳
#WorldBeeDay #BeeAwareness
World Bee Day is an annual event that raises awareness of the importance of bees and the vital role they play in food production, biodiversity and ecosystem health.
TIA entomologist Justin Cappadonna will certainly be celebrating! 👍🥳
#WorldBeeDay #BeeAwareness
May 20, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Happy World Bee Day! While it is still a bit chilly over here at UTAS, I am looking forward to planting flowers (in spring) to support #pollinators that underpin #agriculture & native ecosystems.
However you celebrate, remember to #bee yourself and do your own sting. @utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
However you celebrate, remember to #bee yourself and do your own sting. @utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
Happy World Bee Day! Last weekend at the Harvest Market in Launceston the Tasmanian #Beekeepers Association had a fantastic display of a live #bee hive. (and someone shivering in a bee costume on a very chilly day)
Celebrate the over 20K bee species by planting some flowers (when it warms up).
Celebrate the over 20K bee species by planting some flowers (when it warms up).
May 20, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Happy World Bee Day! Last weekend at the Harvest Market in Launceston the Tasmanian #Beekeepers Association had a fantastic display of a live #bee hive. (and someone shivering in a bee costume on a very chilly day)
Celebrate the over 20K bee species by planting some flowers (when it warms up).
Celebrate the over 20K bee species by planting some flowers (when it warms up).
Recently, Greg Lafoe (Agriculture Victoria) spoke to Country Today about ways Chilean wasps may help control #codling_moth #pests of apples. This research partners with Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (UTAS). Listen to the segment at buff.ly/L7ZVsUO -- @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au #entomology
April 30, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Recently, Greg Lafoe (Agriculture Victoria) spoke to Country Today about ways Chilean wasps may help control #codling_moth #pests of apples. This research partners with Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (UTAS). Listen to the segment at buff.ly/L7ZVsUO -- @tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au #entomology
The best part was watching everyone's eyes light up as they entered the "vaults." I don't think the #entomology students were expecting the diversity of vertebrate specimens as well. Kudos for the snake display, immediately on the other side of a doorway. Good cardio. @utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
Join a group of students who are studying our Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree as they venture into the vault of the QVMAG in Launceston to see many displays of insects and other research specimens that are not usually on public display.
April 29, 2025 at 4:35 AM
The best part was watching everyone's eyes light up as they entered the "vaults." I don't think the #entomology students were expecting the diversity of vertebrate specimens as well. Kudos for the snake display, immediately on the other side of a doorway. Good cardio. @utas.edu.au @tia.utas.edu.au
Reposted by Justin Cappadonna
What Jumping Spiders Teach Us About Color
YouTube video by Veritasium
youtu.be
April 25, 2025 at 4:53 PM
A huge thanks to Dr Alfonsina Arriaga Jimenez & the QVMAG staff for sharing your work in the museum's natural history collection. The students from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture's Introductory #Entomology & #Insect #Ecology courses had an absolute blast!
@tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
@tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
Students who are studying our Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree have had a behind-the-scenes look at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston.
They ventured into the vault to see items that are not usually on public display.
Keen to study with us? 👉https://bit.ly/3KFrwPb
They ventured into the vault to see items that are not usually on public display.
Keen to study with us? 👉https://bit.ly/3KFrwPb
April 16, 2025 at 10:56 PM
A huge thanks to Dr Alfonsina Arriaga Jimenez & the QVMAG staff for sharing your work in the museum's natural history collection. The students from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture's Introductory #Entomology & #Insect #Ecology courses had an absolute blast!
@tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
@tia.utas.edu.au @utas.edu.au
While I know that this spiffy hat is protective gear for #beekeepers, I can't help wishing that I had it during my fieldwork in Western Australia where I (unintentionally) collected bush #flies with my eyes & nostrils. #entomology
April 14, 2025 at 10:50 PM
While I know that this spiffy hat is protective gear for #beekeepers, I can't help wishing that I had it during my fieldwork in Western Australia where I (unintentionally) collected bush #flies with my eyes & nostrils. #entomology