I am interested in the influences of sexual selection on the evolution of behavior and morphology. Currently, I am re-examining the consequences of differential parental investment on sexual selection theory. Traditionally we have emphasized how higher parental investment by females limits their reproductive rate relative to males and leads to selection on male traits (male-male competition and female choice). I suggest that greater investment has resulted in greater control over reproductive decisions and greater influence on future generations by females. This view leads to new perspectives on the evolution of female-female and female-male interactions and identifies understudied aspects of female reproductive behavior.

My empirical research has focused comparative and manipulative field studies of patterns of pair-forming, territorial, mating and post-copulatory behavior of damselflies and dragonflies (Odonata). I am currently interested in assessing the influence of female ecology and behavior on male-male and male-female behavioral interactions, and examining the dynamics of male and female influences on sperm competition.

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