We are a collective of biologists interested in addressing fundamental questions in evolution, genetics and behaviour. Broadly, our research spans:
· Sexual selection and sexual conflict;
· The evolution and design of visual signal systems;
· The evolutionary dynamics of host-endosymbiont interactions, and;
· The prediction of adaptive evolution and adaptive potential in the wild.
We mainly use insects, in part because of their lab tractability, but also in recognition of the astounding chunk of biological diversity that this group represents. A general theme of the lab is to exploit the novel and often exciting empirical opportunities presented by non-model study species. To this end, current projects are underway using butterflies, bugs and blue-ringed octopus; although we also have ongoing projects using conventional model species, such as guppies.
Our lab has close links to the Behavioural Ecology Lab in Macquarie Biology, which is headed by A/Prof. Mariella Herberstein.
It surely is nice!