Intersexuality occurs amongst many groups of Crustacea. Intersex varies from hermaphroditism in that it is the abnormal charateristics of both male and females. Hermaphroditism on the other hand is a perfectly normal life history strategy evolved by some species.

The causes of intersexuality in Crustacea are thought to occur through a number of mechanisms including parasites and possibly pollution. Some crustaceans display environmental sex determination so scientists have suggested this plasticity in sex determination may also lead to abnormalities such as intersex.

My research has focused on whether environmental contaminants (pollution) can directly cause intersexuality in crustaceans or whether contaminants can cause increases in endocrine disrupting parasites such as the feminising microsporidian parasites.