My behavior evolution studies seek to understand the integration of genetics, behavior and physiology to produce phenotypes. I use flour beetles as a model system to examine hypotheses about the evolution of behavior. Insects produce toxins and defensive compounds whose quantity and distribution can affect their fitness. For evolution for produce adaptations, chemical production must be genetically variable. I also study how these defensive secretions affect beetle fitness.
Parasites are quite common and can have powerful effects on host evolution.
I study how parasites affect host behavior and the evolution of virulence. Different parasites may have different effects on their hosts depending on their mode of transmission. I investigate the interaction between a tapeworm, a cytoplasmic bacterium and their beetle host. The bacterium causes reproductive incompatibility- crosses between infected males and uninfected females are sterile. I also use honey bees and beetles to investigate whether organisms and colonies with more genetic variation are less susceptible to parasites.