Leigh Simmons

Leigh Simmons is an Emeritus Professor and Senior Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Western Australia. His research uses vertebrates and invertebrates to test theoretical models of sexual selection and life history evolution.

Research programs focus on: (1) sperm competition and paternal effects via seminal fluid; (2) evolution of animal genitalia; (3) natural and sexual selection on insect cuticular lipids; (4) diet effects on reproductive health; and (5) sexual selection's role in population fitness. His lab hosts collaborative projects on trapdoor spiders, dung beetles, and climate adaptation.

Current funding includes ARC Discovery Projects on sexual selection in the wild and ABRS grants for trapdoor spider taxonomy.