Leigh Simmons

My research interests lie in the evolutionary biology of reproduction, and in particular on sexual selection and sperm competition. Current programs examine the evolution of ejaculates and genital traits, and interactions between sexual selection acting on secondary sexual traits prior to copulation, and sexual selection acting on sperm production and semen quality following multiple copulations. I seek to understand how these pre- and post-copulatory selection pressures can influence the evolution of female mating behaviour and mate preferences. My work is also examining the costs of sperm production for males within a life history context, and the interplay between sex and immunity.

Currently, I am an Editor-in-Chief of the journal Behavioral Ecology, Editor of Advances in the Study of Behavior, Handling Editor for Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B, and on the editorial boards of Journal of Ethology and Austral Entomology.