Our research aims to understand how biotic and abiotic factors influence chemical communication and thus shape receptor (antennae) morphology in insects. We address these questions in diverse systems, including reproductive behaviour, social systems, and inter-specific associations, typically of insects and spiders. Our methods include inter-specific comparative analyses, field and laboratory experiments, chemical analyses, and various modelling techniques. Pheromones, like other organic compounds, are degraded by ozone, UV light, and radicals, and we are interested in how these compounds contribute to chemical signal attenuation and thus signal integrity, antennal morphology and signal perception.
