Robert Puckett

Areas of Expertise

• Urban Entomology
• Invasive Species Ecology
• Social Insect Behavior
• Biological Control
• Bed Bug Biology/Behavior/Control
• Aquatic Entomology
• GIS

Professional Summary

Robert Puckett, Ph.D. is an associate professor and Extension entomologist in the Texas A&M University Department of Entomology, who specialized in research and Extension efforts related to urban insect pests. His dissertation work addressed the ecology of introduced ant decapitating flies and their interactions with red imported fire ants, with the goal of improving fire ant biocontrol. Since then, his research has primarily involved investigations of the biology, behavior, and management of invasive social insect species including red imported fire ants, tawny crazy ants, white-footed ants, and Formosan subterranean termites. Additionally, he is engaged in research involving a wide variety of urban insect pests including bed bugs, cockroaches, flies, and ornamental pests. Puckett has authored or co-authored 27 scientific articles, 2 book chapters, and has given more than 350 presentations at professional meetings and scientific conferences. A native Texan, he is thrilled that his work in the Urban and Structural Entomology Program at Texas A&M University directly impacts the lives of people in his home state, as well as those who are unfortunate enough to reside elsewhere.

Selected Publications

1. 2021    Vatanparast, M., R.T. Puckett, D.S. Choi, and Y. Park. Comparison of gene expression in the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) under different temperature conditions. Sci Rep 11, 16476.
2. 2019    R.T. Puckett and J.K. Tomberlin. Urban Entomology. In J.H. Byrd & J.K. Tomberlin (Ed.). Forensic Entomology (pp. 519-530). Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press.
3. 2018    Eyer, P.A., B. McDowell, L.N.L. Johnson, L.A. Calcaterra, M.B. Fernandez, D. Shoemaker, R.T. Puckett, and E.L. Vargo. Supercolonial structure of invasive populations of the tawny crazy ant Nylanderia fulva in the US. BMC Evol Biol 18, 209.
4. 2014    Puckett, R.T., E.M. Espinoza, and R.E. Gold. Alate Trap-Based Assessment of Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) Dispersal Flight Phenology Associated With an Urbanized Barrier Island Ecosystem, Environmental Entomology, Volume 43, Issue 4, 1 August 2014, Pages 868–876.
5. 2013    Puckett, R.T., D.L. McDonald, and R.E. Gold. Comparison of Multiple Steam Treatment Durations for Control of Bed Bugs (Cimex Lectularius). Pest Management Science. 69(9):1061-1065.