Jordan completed his MRes investigating the composition and development of invertebrate communities associated with heart-rot in beech (Fagus sylvatica) trees, under the supervision of Professor Lynne Boddy and Dr. Hefin Jones.
The fungal decay of heartwood in trees is an ecologically important process for its provision of suitable habitat for a diversity of saproxylic invertebrates. Little is known about the relationship between the invertebrates that inhabit heart-rot and the development of the decay. Many rare invertebrate species, such as the violet click beetle (Limoniscus violaceus), depend on heart-rot microhabitats, although this dependence and the characteristics which make heart-rot a suitable habitat aren’t greatly understood.
Jordan has investigated invertebrate community composition and succession in heart-rot, particularly focussing on the violet click beetle, specifically looking at the relationship between invertebrate community composition and the fungal species present in heart-rot, the succession of decay and the volatile organic compounds released by heart-rot.
He received a BSc in Biology here at Cardiff University in 2014 and is primarily interested in community ecology and ecological interactions.

Jordan is now undertaking a PhD on invertebrate food webs in Bill Symondson’s group here at Cardiff.

@JordanCuff