Background
Shepherd's research interests are in the field of physiology (especially reproduction), behavior and ecology of arthropods, working with moths, ticks and mosquitoes. He is especially interested in sperm maturation, activation, and motility, and the function and fate of sperm in the female reproductive tract, with particular reference to the function and fate of accessory (polymorphic) and redundant spermatozoa in the female tract, and their significance with respect to sperm competition. Shepherd has recently sponsored studies in growth and competition between native and invading exotic species of mosquitoes known to carry viral diseases, and a study in distribution and ecology of native tick species that vector diseases.
Research Interests
- Reproductive physiology of insects and arachnids
