J. Mappes

Morph-linked variation in female pheromone signaling and male response in a polymorphic moth

The paper investigates the relationship between female pheromone signaling, male antennal morphology, and reproductive success in a polymorphic moth, finding no correlation between morph-related attractiveness and reproductive success.

Positive and negative frequency-dependent selection acting on polymorphism in a palatable moth

The paper investigates frequency-dependent selection in a palatable moth with two color morphs, finding contrasting selection pressures that maintain polymorphism.

Diet influences resource allocation in chemical defence but not melanin synthesis in an aposematic moth

The paper tests how larval diet affects chemical defence and melanin synthesis in moths, finding resource trade-offs in defences but not in melanin.

Host's genetic background determines the outcome of reciprocal faecal transplantation on life-history traits and microbiome composition

This study shows that host genotype affects microbiome composition and life-history traits through reciprocal faecal transplantation in wood tiger moths.

Not just the sum of its parts: geographic variation and non-additive effects of pyrazines in the chemical defence of an aposematic moth

The paper investigates geographic variation and non-additive effects of pyrazines in the chemical defence of the wood tiger moth, finding that SBMP and IBMP have complex interactions and efficacy depending on concentration and predator context.

Colour polymorphism associated with a gene duplication in male wood tiger moths

The paper identifies a gene duplication linked to colour polymorphism in male wood tiger moths, showing it produces white wing coloration and is associated with behavioural and life-history differences.

Rich resource environment of fish farms facilitates phenotypic variation and virulence in an opportunistic fish pathogen

The paper shows that fish farm environments promote phenotypic variation and virulence in Flavobacterium columnare, with rough morphotypes growing faster and reversing to rhizoid types in contact with fish.

Hard to catch: Experimental evidence supports evasive mimicry

The paper tests if evasive mimicry, where prey's difficulty of capture leads to warning color convergence, is as effective as distastefulness in deterring predators.

Geographic mosaic of selection by avian predators on hindwing warning colour in a polymorphic aposematic moth

The paper shows that avian predator selection on warning coloration in moths varies geographically, with stronger positive frequency-dependent selection in monomorphic populations and weaker selection in polymorphic ones.

Transparency reduces predator detection in chemically protected clearwing butterflies

This study shows that transparency in butterfly wings reduces detectability by predators, enhancing crypsis, though humans can learn to detect transparent species more effectively over time.