Research

MaritimeEarwigs-VikInfield2014-v2My research involves studying the behavioral ecology of arthropods, with an emphasis on sexual selection in insects. Arthropods are the most abundant and diverse group in the animal kingdom, and they occupy nearly every ecological niche in marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats. The extraordinary evolutionary success of arthropods can be partly attributed to the remarkable diversity of mating systems, and these fascinating creatures provide many wonderful opportunities to do both field and laboratory studies. My research is driven by my interests in sexual selection and its consequences, and we study many different organisms that communicate through chemistry including moths, beetles and crustaceans. Specifically, we examine how the costs and benefits of mate choice and differences in parental investment shape the evolution of arthropod mating systems.

* For a more detailed overview of my research program, click here.

* For more on specific projects and organisms, scroll down the Research tab above.

* For a list of publications (and links to PDFs), click here.