Behavioural Ecology of Aquatic Invertebrates. My research deals with the ecological significance of antipredator and antiparasite behaviour of aquatic insects. I am analyzing the selection pressures (reduced foraging, fewer chances to mate, etc.) that shape the antipredator and antiparasite behaviour of larval dragonflies and chironomids and I am experimenting with the role of these behaviours in affecting population growth and life cycles.
I am also interested in the role of aggressive interactions and cannibalism in affecting population growth in dragonflies. Both larval and adult dragonflies are aggressive towards conspecifics and I am investigating whether these aggressive interactions are important in affecting feeding, growth, dispersal and oviposition rates.