YACK LAB

We study animal sensory systems and communication, with a focus on insect bioacoustics. Our research addresses three main questions: 1) How do insects sense, and generate sounds and vibrations?  2) What are the functions of acoustic communication? 3) How do ears and communication signals evolve?

In our neuroethology lab we use a variety of methods and techniques such as sound recording and analysis, laser vibrometry, neurophysiology, high-speed video, phylogenetics, microscopy, and behavioural genetics to form an integrated view of animal behaviour and communication. We work primarily with the insect orders Lepidoptera (moths, butterflies, caterpillars) and Coleoptera (mostly bark beetles), but have ongoing projects with earthworms, birds, and bats as well.