THE ARTHROPOD REPRODUCTION LAB
In our research group we use field studies, laboratory assays, molecular tools and experimental evolution to answer questions on reproductive trait evolution, communication and mating strategies in spiders & insects.
MEET our TEAM!
DR. CRISTINA TUNI, PI
I am an evolutionary behavioural biologist interested in sexual selection and animal reproduction in spiders and insects. Academic whereabouts: Today at the University of Turin (Italy), after several years at the LMU in Munich (Germany), and a PhD from Aarhus University (Denmark). Graduated from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (Italy).
MICHELLE BEYER, PHD STUDENT
My research focuses on the evolution, function and mode of animal chemical communication. I am especially interested in directional polarization of chemical trails, such as spider silk lines, as well as manipulative chemical communication between the sexes at reproduction.
MAGDALENA MATZKE, PHD STUDENT
I am interested in the reproductive biology of polyandrous arthropods, crickets and spiders. In particular, my work focuses on how pre- and post-copulatory traits evolve, and how complex paternity patterns are shaped by sperm competition and (cryptic) female choice.
APOSTOLOS ANGELAKAKIS, MSC STUDENT
I am studying the effects of heatwaves on spider reproduction, with the aim of understanding if thermal stress affects fertility and interferes with male-female chemical communication in the spider Parasteatoda tepidarorium.
MICHELE VICO, MSC STUDENT
I am a visiting student from University of Padova. For my Msc project I am interested in understanding what drives male strategic courtship allocation and mate choice in the gift-giving spider Pisaura mirabilis.
KAYLIE WALSH, STEPHANIE SEDLMAIR, ALIKI DIMOPOLOU, BSC STUDENTS
Testing the effects of heatwaves on insect reproduction, each with a specific aim: male courtship behaviour, male-male aggressiveness and on fitness outcome. Our study species is the field cricket.
PAST GROUP MEMBERS
Sexual selection and alternative reproductive tactics in the nursery web spider Pisaura mirabilis
SARA VON DRACH
MSC THESIS: Fitness consequences of anthropogenic noise in the field cricket.
KARDELEN ÖZGÜN ULUDAG. Now PhD student at Hamburg University
MSC THESIS: Silk line following behaviour in a spider.
MORGAN OBERWEISER. Now PhD student at Greifswald University
LEHRE@LMU FELLOW: Mandibles vs. testes. Evolutionary trade-offs?
JULIA MANGLIERS
BSC THESIS: Is male silk attractive?
DANIEL HEIMERL
MSC THESIS: Effects of adult sex ratios on male mating strategies
APOSTOLOS ANGELAKAKIS
BSC THESIS: The mating system of the common house spider
ANNIKA NEUHAUS. Now PhD student at TUM
STUDENT ASSISTANT: animal care, behaviour, sperm assays
AURORA ROSSI
STUDENT ASSISTANT: animal care, behaviour, sperm assays
MAŸLIS LAILLER
MSC THESIS: Female silk-bound signalling and male mate search in a spider
MURPHY MORTIER
MSC THESIS: Condition dependent chemical silk release in a cursorial spider
MARLENA STALTER
BSC THESIS: does anthropogenic noise affect singing in crickets?
...AND MANY MORE!
VISITING STUDENTS
Martina Magris, Pavla Dudova, Nijat Narimanov, Tejinder Singh Chechi