Welcome


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