I am interested in communication signals that are transmitted via the substrate – a communication mode that is widespread among the animal kingdom. Especially arthropods have been shown to use vibratory signals for various reasons such as mate localization, species and sex recognition, predator and prey detection, and social interactions. The long evolutionary history of this communication modality, the remarkable diversity of species in which it occurs, and its role in biotic interactions provide unparalleled opportunities to ask and answer various general questions concerning species recognition, signal evolution, sexual selection, and the role of communication signals in population differentiation and speciation. Despite the extensive use of vibrational signals by animals, research on this topic is still underrepresented and many aspects of this communication mode remain unexplored.

By using Mantophasmatodea and spiders as model systems, I investigate the evolution of vibrational signals, the selective forces at work that shape such signals, and the role vibratory signals play in speciation. In addition, I focus on the influence of environmental factors such as temperature on the variability and evolution of vibrational signals.

Additionally, various morphological and/or anatomical features in Mantophasmatodea, such as abdominal musculature, genital structures, or glands are not or only superficially investigated to date. This gives rise to various possibilities for Bachelor and Master Students to explore such structures, as well as work on the taxonomy of Heelwalkers, for their theses.