I am particularly fascinated by the types of adaptations that arise in response to extreme constraints on mating success. Understanding the response of animals to selection under constraint can provide important insights into the operation of sexual and natural selection under less extreme conditions. Investigations of the effects and intensity of sexual selection in systems where some males mate few times, or only once. Research combines laboratory and field studies of the current function of behaviours with studies of phylogenetic history and mathematical modelling to seek understanding in these areas. Sexual selection for male sacrifice in redback spiders.
Female hunger can explain variation in cannibalism despite male sacrifice in redback spiders.