My research is primarily concerned with combining morphological and molecular techniques to revise the taxonomy of the ant genus Leptomyrmex, which is possibly the most charismatic group of invertebrates in the Australasian rain forest. They are unmistakable with their long-limbed elegance and spider-like movements. Amongst these so-called 'Spider Ants' queens are wingless. As a result, dispersal is limited to the distance a queen can walk to establish a colony at a new nest site. Owing to their restricted range and unique biology, Leptomyrmex ants constitute compelling subjects for ecological and evolutionary studies. Clarification of species boundaries and species-group relationships will make species identification possible and place them in evolutionary context.

Other ongoing projects focus on the biogeographic history of Leptomyrmex, several unnamed 'micro'-Leptomyrmex and the biogeographical origins of the Fijian ant genus Lordomyrma.