Research Interests

The conceptual aim underlying my research program is to increase our understanding of ecological interactions of insects with plants in the dynamics, distribution and persistence of plant populations and communities. An additional goal is to explore the application of these basic principles in natural resource management, such as in managing biotic response to environmental stress, conserving rare species, applying biological control to weeds, and managing exotic invasive species. My research uses an experimental field approach to assess interactions, especially the effects of plant-feeding insects on the growth, reproduction, population dynamics and community interactions of plants with their dependent insect guilds. I also investigate ecological and biochemical mechanisms that mediate insect impact on plants.

Recent Publications

• Louda, S. M., A. E. Arnett, T. A. Rand and F. L. Russell 2003. Invasiveness of some biological control insects and adequacy of their ecological risk assessment and regulation. Conservation Biology 17(1): 73-82.
• Louda, S. M., R. W. Pemberton, M. T. Johnson and P. A. Follett 2003. Nontarget effects - The Achilles' Heel of biological control? Retrospective analyses to reduce risk associated with biocontrol introductions. Annual Review of Entomology 48: 365-396.
• Maron, J. L., J. K. Combs and S. M. Louda 2002. Convergent demographic effects of insect attack on related thistles in coastal vs. continental dunes. Ecology 83(12): 3382-3392.
• Arnett, A. E. and S. M. Louda 2002. Re-test of Rhinocyllus conicus host specificity, and the prediction of ecological risk in biological control. Biological Conservation 106(2): 251-257.
• Louda, S. M. and C. W. O'Brien 2002. Unexpected ecological effects of distributing the exotic weevil, Larinus planus (F.), for the biological control of Canada thistle. Conservation Biology 16(3): 717-727.
• Louda, S. M. and C. W. O'Brien. 2002. Unexpected ecological impacts of redistributing the exotic weevil, Larinus planus (F.), for the biological control of Canada thistle. Conservation Biology: 16: 717-727.
• Louda, S. M. and T. A. Rand. 2002. Native thistles: Expendable or integral to ecosystem resistance? Pp. 5-15 in S. Levin and P. Kareiva (eds.), The importance of Species. Princeton University Press, Princeton.
• Louda, S. M. and R. L. Bevill 2000. Exclusion of natural enemies as a tool in managing rare plant species. Conservation Biology 14(5): 1551-1552.
• Bevill, R. L., S. M. Louda and L. M. Stanforth 1999. Protection from natural enemies in managing rare plant species. Conservation Biology 13(6): 1323-1331.
• Ewel, J. J., D. J. O'Dowd, et.al. S. M. Louda 1999. Deliberate introductions of species: Research needs - Benefits can be reaped, but risks are high. Bioscience 49(8): 619-630.