Biography
I am a behavioural ecologist interested in how animal groups form, function, and evolve. My current research aims to uncover the mechanisms of collective control and decision-making in social colonies, using cutting-edge computational methods to automatically track behaviour, social fluid exchange, and larval growth in social insect societies. During my doctoral research at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, I investigated mechanisms of collective behaviour in complex societies, using Neotropical termites as a model system. I hold a PhD in Biology from the University of Konstanz (Germany, 2022), an MSc in Entomology from UFV (Brazil, 2016), and a BSc and teaching degree (Licenciatura) in Biological Sciences from PUC Minas (Brazil, 2009). Throughout my training, I have gained both theoretical and practical experience in the taxonomy and ecology of spiders and insects, integrated pest management, biological control, and the behavioural ecology of social organisms. I am also a scientific illustrator and have delivered practical workshops on illustrating biological species using a range of techniques
Publications
Hugo, H., Hermes, M. G., Garcete‐Barrett, B. R., & Couzin, I. D. (2020). First evidence of wasp brood development inside active nests of a termite with the description of a previously unknown potter wasp species. Ecology and Evolution, 10(23), 12663-12674. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6872
Hugo, H., Cristaldo, P. F., & DeSouza, O. (2020). Nonaggressive behavior: A strategy employed by an obligate nest invader to avoid conflict with its host species. Ecology and evolution, 10(16), 8741-8754. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6572
Amaral, D. S., Venzon, M., Hugo, H., Sujii, E. R., Schmidt, J. M., & Harwood, J. D. (2016). Non-crop plant communities conserve spider populations in chili pepper agroecosystems. Biological Control, 103, 69-77. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2016.07.007
Teaching and Supervisions
2010 - Lecturer - Taxonomy, Systematics & Ecology of Spiders - Dept. of Biological Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
2010 - Teacher - Biology - E.E. Patronato Bom Pastor, Brazil.
2010 - Teacher - Sciences - E.E. Ilídio da Costa Pereira, Brazil.
