Dilini Bopearachchi

I am originally from Sri Lanka and moved to Australia to pursue my PhD with determination. As a passionate researcher, I possess a strong background in ecology, evolutionary biology, and arachnology. My fascination with arachnids, insects, and evolutionary biology has driven me to focus on systematics and taxonomy in my doctoral studies. Additionally, I actively cultivate my own vegetables and enjoy hiking in my free time.

Supervised by: Prof. Gerry Cassis, Marcos Roca-Cusachs and Cristiano Schwertner

Project Title: Systematics of the Stink bug Tribe Rhynchocorini (Insecta: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Project Description: I am conducting research on the stink bug group of Rhynchocorini within the family Pentatomidae, which is found in Australia, Melanesia, and the Oriental region. Over the past 30 years, several Rhynchocorini genera have undergone significant taxonomic scrutiny, yet there have been minimal classification changes since their initial recognition. I am actively identifying new morphological character systems in Rhynchocorini to firmly establish its systematic position within Pentatomidae, utilising both morphological and molecular data