I am interested in the behavioral ecology of animals. The interaction of the animals with their environment, and how they approach and "solve" particular challenges imposed by both biotic and abiotic factors are crucial to understand their abilities; as well as to unravel how their morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations have evolved.
I have done research with several animal groups; particularly with birds, wasps, spiders, and harvestmen. The last two groups are the main focus of my current research topics.
With specific groups I have been interested in:
Harvestmen (Opiliones): grouping behavior, site fidelity, locomotion, micro-habitat selection, the effect of losing legs in their behavior.
Treehoppers (Membracidae insects): communication and sexual selection.
Spiders: learning, web construction, sex and age differences in feeding and exploration behavior performance; reproductive behavior.
Birds: behavioral ecology, nesting, reproduction and sound communication.
Below are some pictures I've taken of animals I have studied, mostly in Neotropical rainforest, montane, and dry forest, in Costa Rica and Panamá. I have also studied arachnids in Uruguay, and currently in California, USA.
I have done research with several animal groups; particularly with birds, wasps, spiders, and harvestmen. The last two groups are the main focus of my current research topics.
With specific groups I have been interested in:
Harvestmen (Opiliones): grouping behavior, site fidelity, locomotion, micro-habitat selection, the effect of losing legs in their behavior.
Treehoppers (Membracidae insects): communication and sexual selection.
Spiders: learning, web construction, sex and age differences in feeding and exploration behavior performance; reproductive behavior.
Birds: behavioral ecology, nesting, reproduction and sound communication.
Below are some pictures I've taken of animals I have studied, mostly in Neotropical rainforest, montane, and dry forest, in Costa Rica and Panamá. I have also studied arachnids in Uruguay, and currently in California, USA.