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Ian Robertson, Ph.D.

Dr. Ian Robertson

Professor
Year arrived at BSU: 2000

Mailing Address:
Department of Biological Sciences
Boise State University
Boise, ID 83725-1515

Office Location: Science Building, Rm 130
Fax Number: 208-426-1040
E-Mail Address: iroberts@boisestate.edu

ACADEMIC DEGREES

  • B.Sc. (Honours Biology), Carleton University, Ottawa ON, 1989
  • M.Sc. (Zoology), University of Toronto, Toronto ON, 1992
  • Ph.D. (Biological Sciences), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC, 1998

TEACHING

  • BIOL 192 – General Biology II: Diversity of Life (zoology section)
  • ZOOL 305/505 – Entomology
  • BIOL 426/526 – Insect Ecology

RESEARCH INTERESTS and PROJECTS

I am broadly interested in insect-plant interactions as well as ecological and conservation-related research on slickspot peppergrass, Lepidium papilliferum, a rare and threatened mustard endemic to Idaho.  Research in my lab focuses on (1) the foraging ecology of Owyhee harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex salinus), (2) interactions between insects and slickspot peppergrass [and other native forbs], and (3) the use of seed introductions to augment L. papilliferum populations.  I also have several collaborative projects with Dr. Sven Buerki (L. papilliferum genomics/population genetics/seed biobanking and cultivation) and Dr. Leonora Bittleston (DNA barcoding to detect L. papilliferum seeds in the soil seed bank).

Ant with leaf and bee on flower

GRADUATE STUDENTS

  • Emily Sun.  MS Biology 2024.  “Assessing the effects of non-native flowering plants and anti-herbivory plastic (Vexar®) tubes on insect visitation to native plants.” (co-supervised by Dr. David Pilliod, USGS)
  • Michaela Grossklaus.  MS Biology 2023.  “Seed predation by harvester ants on native grasses and forbs: implications for management in a changing landscape.”
  • Jennifer Brown. MS Biology 2019.  “Seed predation by Owyhee harvester ants and the potential of seed introductions in recovery efforts for slickspot peppergrass.”
  • Michelle Jeffries. MS Biology 2016.  “An investigation of seed predation and herbivory on slickspot peppergrass.”
  • Matt Schmasow. MS Biology 2015.  “Diet selection by the Owyhee harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex salinus) in southwestern Idaho.”
  • Joshua White. MS Biology 2009. “Seed predation on slickspot peppergrass by the Owyhee harvester ant.” Josh was the recipient of Boise State’s “Distinguished Masters Thesis” Award in 2009.
  • Kristine Barney. MA Biology 2009. “Using Frequent Low-Stakes Testing as a Learning Tool in an Introductory Biology Course”.
  • Wyatt Williams. MS Biology 2007. “Host selection in the Douglas-fir beetle following extended periods of flight: the effect of depleted fat reserves on pioneer behavior.”
  • Stephanie Billinge. MS Biology 2006. “Reproductive performance as a function of outcrossing distance in Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae), a rare plant endemic to southwest Idaho.”
  • Amy Stillman. MS Biology 2006. “Population genetics and mating system of the rare polyploid, Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae), a southwestern Idaho endemic.” (co-supervised by Dr. Steve Novak)
  • Hollie Leavitt. MS Biology 2006. “Pollination and florivory by insects visiting Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae) flowers”

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES (graduate and undergraduate)

I have several ongoing collaborative projects that focus on the biology and conservation of slickspot peppergrass, a threatened mustard endemic to southwest Idaho.  Research opportunities are contingent on grant funding – please contact me for updates on current funding and the availability of teaching assistantships.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Anjos D, P Luna…. I Robertson …. & W Dáttilo. 2025.  Distance from nest and climate explain geographical trends of harvester ant’s food resource use: a multi-species approach.  Journal of Biogeography, 52(1): 1-12  https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.15012
  • Grossklaus MR, DS Pilliod, TT Caughlin & IC Robertson. 2024. Spatial patterns of seed removal by harvester ants in a seed tray experiment. Environmental Entomology, in press.  https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvae069
  • Brown JA & IC Robertson. 2020. Harvester ants reduce seed survivorship in slickspot peppergrass, a rare mustard endemic to Idaho.  Western North American Naturalist, 80: 483-491.
  • Robertson IC & WG Robertson. 2020.  Colony dynamics and plant community associations of the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex salinus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in sagebrush-steppe habitat.  Environmental Entomology, 49: 983-992.  https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvaa070
  • Robertson IC & MS Schmasow. 2018. Modification of diet and foraging range by harvester ants in response to altered seed availability.  Journal of Insect Behavior, 31: 361-372.  DOI10.1007/s10905-018-9658-x
  • Robertson IC, WH Clark, CW Baun & KS Warner. 2017. Field evaluation of Amdro® granular baits in targeted control of Owyhee harvester ant colonies (Pogonomyrmex salinus, Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Journal of the Idaho Academy of Science and Engineering, 53(2):1-8.
  • Schmasow MS & IC Robertson. 2016. Selective foraging by Pogonomyrmex salinus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in semiarid grassland: implications for a rare plant.  Environmental Entomology, 45(4): 952-960.  DOI10.1093/ee/nvw071
  • Howell BD & IC Robertson. 2015. Reclaiming lost territory: the response of Owyhee harvester ants to forager intrusions by neighboring colonies.  Journal of Insect Behavior, 28(6): 722-731.  DOI10.1007/s10905-015-9538-9
  • Wilson ER, Smalling KL, Reilly TJ, Gray E, Bond L, Steele L, Kandel P, Chamberlin A, Gause J, Reynolds N, Robertson I, Novak S, Feris K, & MM White.  2014.  Assessing the potential effects of fungicides on nontarget gut fungi (Trichomycetes) and their associated larval blackfly hosts.  Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 50(2): 420-433.
  • Robertson IC & H Leavitt. 2011. Relative contributions to seed production by floral visitors of slickspot peppergrass, Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae).  Arthropod-Plant Interactions, 5: 379-389.  DOI1007/s11829-011-09142-7
  • White JP & IC Robertson. 2009. Intense seed predation by harvester ants on a rare mustard. Écoscience, 16(4): 508-513.
  • Smith JF, Stillman AJ, Larson SR, Culumber CM, Robertson IC, & SJ Novak. 2009. Phylogenetic Relationships among Lepidium papilliferum (L. Henderson) A. Nels. & J. F. Macbr., L. montanum Nutt., and L. davisii Rollins (Brassicaceae). Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society, 136(2): 149-163.
  • White JP & IC Robertson. 2009. An unusual life history strategy in Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae), a rare mustard endemic to southwestern Idaho. Northwest Science, 83: 287-290.
  • Billinge S & IC Robertson. 2008. Spatial structure and inbreeding depression in slickspot peppergrass, Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae). Botany, 86: 1002-1008.
  • Williams WI & IC Robertson. 2008. Using automated flight mills to manipulate fat reserves in Douglas-fir beetles, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae (Hopkins) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Environmental Entomology, 37: 850-856.
  • Leavitt H & IC Robertson. 2006. Petal herbivory by chrysomelid beetles (Phyllotreta sp.) is detrimental to pollination and seed production in Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae). Ecological Entomology, 31: 657-660.
  • Robertson IC & D Klemash-Maguire. 2005. Crab spiders deter insect visitations to slickspot peppergrass flowers. Oikos, 109: 577-582.
  • Robertson IC & AC Ulappa. 2004. Distance between pollen donor and recipient influences fruiting success in slickspot peppergrass, Lepidium papilliferum. Canadian Journal of Botany, 82: 1705-1710.
  • Robertson IC. 2004. Importance of outcrossing for fruit production in slickspot peppergrass, Lepidium papilliferum L. (Brassicaceae). Western North American Naturalist, 64: 265-268.
  • Robertson IC & D Klemash. 2003. Insect-mediated pollination in slickspot peppergrass, Lepidium papilliferum L. (Brassicaceae), and its implications for population viability. Western North American Naturalist, 63: 333-342.
  • Robertson IC. 2000. Reproduction and developmental phenology of Ips perturbatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) inhabiting white spruce. Canadian Entomologist, 132: 529-537.
  • Roitberg BD, Robertson IC & JGA Tyreman. 1999. Vive la variance: a functional oviposition theory for insect herbivores. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 91: 187-194.
  • Robertson IC & BD Roitberg. 1998. Duration of paternal care in pine engraver beetles: why do larger males care less? Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology, 43: 379-386.
  • Robertson IC. 1998. Paternal care enhances male reproductive success in pine engraver beetles. Animal Behaviour, 56: 595-602.
  • Robertson IC. 1998. Flight muscle changes in male pine engraver beetles during reproduction: the effects of body size, mating status and breeding failure. Physiological Entomology, 23: 75-80.
  • Robertson IC, Robertson WG & BD Roitberg. 1998. A model of mutual tolerance and the origin of communal associations between unrelated females. Journal of Insect Behavior, 11: 265-286.
  • Robertson IC, Roitberg BD, Williamson I & SE Senger. 1995. Contextual chemical ecology: an evolutionary approach to the chemical ecology of insects. American Entomologist, 41: 237-239.
  • Bouskila A, Robertson IC, Robinson ME, Roitberg BD, Tenhumberg B, Tyre AJ & E vanRanden. 1995. Submaximal oviposition rates in a mymarid parasitoid: choosiness should not be ignored. Ecology, 76: 1990-1993.
  • Robertson IC. 1995. Extra-pair copulations in burying beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae). Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society, 67: 418-420.
  • Robertson IC. 1993. Nest intrusions, infanticide, and parental care in the burying beetle, Nicrophorus orbicollis (Coleoptera: Silphidae). Journal of Zoology, London, 231: 583-593.
  • Robertson IC. 1992. Relative abundance of Nicrophorus pustulatus (Coleoptera: Silphidae) in a burying beetle community, with notes on its reproductive behavior. Psyche, 99: 189-198.
  • Robertson IC & PJ Weatherhead. 1992. The role of temperature in microhabitat selection by northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon). Canadian Journal of Zoology 70: 417-422.
  • Weatherhead PJ & IC Robertson. 1992. Thermal constraints on swimming performance and escape response of northern water snakes (Nerodia sipedon). Canadian Journal of Zoology 70: 94-98.
  • Weatherhead PJ & IC Robertson. 1990. Homing to food by black rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta). Copeia 1990: 1164-1165