Welcome
to the website of the Behavioural Biology Research Group in Macquarie
University's Centre
for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour
(CISAB). Research in the group is based on terrestrial invertebrates
as convenient and tractable models for a wide diversity of ultimate
(evolutionary) and proximate (mechanistic) questions of why animals
do what they do. Current
work focusses on reproductive/nutritional biology of Queensland fruit
flies, flexible predatory strategies of Stenolemus assassin
bugs and communication, assessment and decision-making of jumping spiders.
In addition to addressing questions of basic Behavioural Biology, we
have a parallel interest in applying the concepts and techniques of
Behavioural Biology to current issues of environmentally benign pest
management. In particular, we provide valuable R&D support for the
Sterile Insect Technique used to combat outbreaks of the Queensland
fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni, aka 'Q-fly') in Australia. For
more details on our current projects, see Research
and personal websites of our group members.
Our
research is carried out in close association with other members of CISAB
and
we also maintain active collaborations with a wide diversity of colleagues
from other departments at Macquarie as well as elsewhere in Australia
and overseas (see Research). We are very
well equipped for Behavioural Biology research: several large controlled
environment laboratories; acoustic chamber, air table and laser vibrometer
for seismic recording; video/acoustic recording, analysis and playback;
brightfield/phase contrast/DIC/Fluorescence microscopy; morphometric
analysis; general laboratory equipment (balances, centrifuge etc); and
numerous field cages. Through cooperative arrangements and collaborations
we have ready access to a full range of expertise and facilities, and
we actively encourage members to take advantage of such opportunities
to explore new perspectives and techniques.
We welcome
enquiries from potential Postdoctoral
Fellows, PhD
students and Honours
students in any of our current research areas, and are always interested
in new questions of our current subjects, new subjects for our current
questions and even new questions for new subjects.
Contact
Dr Phil Taylor,
Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour
Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9850 9463; Fax: +61 (0)2 9850 9231
e-mail: phil@galliform.bhs.mq.edu.au