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 dug deeper. Since #GenAI essentially "roleplays" responses I asked it about potential reputational harm if I used this false information. I agree with its responses.
🧵 5/6
🧵 5/6
September 1, 2025 at 11:50 PM
I dug deeper. Since #GenAI essentially "roleplays" responses I asked it about potential reputational harm if I used this false information. I agree with its responses.
🧵 5/6
🧵 5/6
I checked to make sure that both ChatGPT and I were using the same definition of terms. then asked WHY I were given dubious claims.
It turns out that real elements were blended with "illustrative" (but false) details.
🧵 4/6
#AIHallucination
It turns out that real elements were blended with "illustrative" (but false) details.
🧵 4/6
#AIHallucination
September 1, 2025 at 11:50 PM
I checked to make sure that both ChatGPT and I were using the same definition of terms. then asked WHY I were given dubious claims.
It turns out that real elements were blended with "illustrative" (but false) details.
🧵 4/6
#AIHallucination
It turns out that real elements were blended with "illustrative" (but false) details.
🧵 4/6
#AIHallucination
After asking for references for this "real" example, I was told that there were no references.
🧵 3/6
🧵 3/6
September 1, 2025 at 11:50 PM
After asking for references for this "real" example, I was told that there were no references.
🧵 3/6
🧵 3/6
I started by asking for real examples of a farmer that uses technology to manage insects, then refined my question to specify an Australian example. I given the name of a real farmer, a bold claim of a 50%reduction in #insecticide use. Without references.
🧵 2/6
🧵 2/6
September 1, 2025 at 11:50 PM
I started by asking for real examples of a farmer that uses technology to manage insects, then refined my question to specify an Australian example. I given the name of a real farmer, a bold claim of a 50%reduction in #insecticide use. Without references.
🧵 2/6
🧵 2/6
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
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
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
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
Researchers from #VirginiaTech have just published molecular evidence that suggests that #bedbugs moved from bats to feed upon Neanderthals. These little blood-suckers have been with us ever since, and have done particularly well since they adopted city life. buff.ly/M7aKLYv 📷 credit: Shutterstock
June 1, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Researchers from #VirginiaTech have just published molecular evidence that suggests that #bedbugs moved from bats to feed upon Neanderthals. These little blood-suckers have been with us ever since, and have done particularly well since they adopted city life. buff.ly/M7aKLYv 📷 credit: Shutterstock
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
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
This is me at thinking about buying sweet corn from "Elphen Grove Farm" at a farmer's market in Launceston. This is also me, thrilled to find out that the growers are trying out Biological Control & Entomopathogens to replace insecticides. (For more about these approaches see buff.ly/puQvnb5). #ipm
March 31, 2025 at 10:50 PM
This is me at thinking about buying sweet corn from "Elphen Grove Farm" at a farmer's market in Launceston. This is also me, thrilled to find out that the growers are trying out Biological Control & Entomopathogens to replace insecticides. (For more about these approaches see buff.ly/puQvnb5). #ipm
Did you know researchers at the University of Tasmania are looking into minimizing #insecticide use in Tasmanian apple #orchards by introducing #parasitoid wasps that feed on #CodlingMoth pests ? You can read more about these #IPM strategies here (buff.ly/hs529UQ ). - @utas.edu.au
March 27, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Did you know researchers at the University of Tasmania are looking into minimizing #insecticide use in Tasmanian apple #orchards by introducing #parasitoid wasps that feed on #CodlingMoth pests ? You can read more about these #IPM strategies here (buff.ly/hs529UQ ). - @utas.edu.au
As an added bonus, I get to move around a bunch of plants around campus in my "cabbage cart," and listen to the soothing cricket calls during the pre-dawn class setup. I may move my office down to the lab, so chill.
March 18, 2025 at 5:40 AM
As an added bonus, I get to move around a bunch of plants around campus in my "cabbage cart," and listen to the soothing cricket calls during the pre-dawn class setup. I may move my office down to the lab, so chill.
Our undergraduate #agricultural #science students are applying jasmonic acid to cabbage plants to trigger metabolic defenses in response to real & simulated #insect herbivory.
March 18, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Our undergraduate #agricultural #science students are applying jasmonic acid to cabbage plants to trigger metabolic defenses in response to real & simulated #insect herbivory.
Today the Insect Ecology class at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (University of Tasmania ) to develop an experiment testing plant defenses to #insect herbivory.
Well. Today is the day that the laboratory portion begins!
- @utas.edu.au #entomology #undergraduate research
Well. Today is the day that the laboratory portion begins!
- @utas.edu.au #entomology #undergraduate research
March 18, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Today the Insect Ecology class at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (University of Tasmania ) to develop an experiment testing plant defenses to #insect herbivory.
Well. Today is the day that the laboratory portion begins!
- @utas.edu.au #entomology #undergraduate research
Well. Today is the day that the laboratory portion begins!
- @utas.edu.au #entomology #undergraduate research
Dear petrol station,
I appreciate the illustrated guide about filling my car with highly flammable fuel, but I STRONGLY disagree with step #1.
I appreciate the illustrated guide about filling my car with highly flammable fuel, but I STRONGLY disagree with step #1.
March 16, 2025 at 3:51 AM
Dear petrol station,
I appreciate the illustrated guide about filling my car with highly flammable fuel, but I STRONGLY disagree with step #1.
I appreciate the illustrated guide about filling my car with highly flammable fuel, but I STRONGLY disagree with step #1.
Recently, I spent explored an #apple orchard with Leticia Reis, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture's tree crop physiologist in northern #Tasmania. It was fun to learn about new management techniques optimizing the fruit yield, apple colour, & #pollination.
- @utas.edu.au, #entomology, #horticulture
- @utas.edu.au, #entomology, #horticulture
March 16, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Recently, I spent explored an #apple orchard with Leticia Reis, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture's tree crop physiologist in northern #Tasmania. It was fun to learn about new management techniques optimizing the fruit yield, apple colour, & #pollination.
- @utas.edu.au, #entomology, #horticulture
- @utas.edu.au, #entomology, #horticulture
It was a beautiful night for the Introduction to #Entomology class to set up a blacklight to catch insects. We set up in the apple orchard on the University of Tasmania campus in Launceston. We even managed to catch a few aquatic bugs that flew up from the Tamar River. - @utas.edu.au
March 9, 2025 at 9:21 PM
It was a beautiful night for the Introduction to #Entomology class to set up a blacklight to catch insects. We set up in the apple orchard on the University of Tasmania campus in Launceston. We even managed to catch a few aquatic bugs that flew up from the Tamar River. - @utas.edu.au