K. Darragh

The convergent evolution of hummingbird pollination results in repeated floral scent loss through gene downregulation

This study shows that hummingbird-pollinated Costus species lose floral scent through gene downregulation, not pseudogenization, highlighting strong selection pressures for scent loss.

Adaptive divergence in the eyes of Heliconius butterflies likely contributes to pre- and post mating isolation

The paper examines eye morphology divergence between Heliconius species and their hybrids, finding adaptive differences and visual system disruption in hybrids.

Individual variation in male pheromone production in Xylocopa sonorina correlates with size and gland color.

The paper examines variation in male pheromone production in Xylocopa sonorina, finding that larger males with darker glands produce more pheromone, which may act as a long-range attractant.

Seasonal stability and species specificity of environmentally acquired chemical mating signals in orchid bees

This study examines seasonal variation and species-specificity of chemical mating signals in orchid bees, finding consistent species-specificity despite environmental variation.

Clustering of loci controlling species differences in male chemical bouquets of sympatric Heliconius butterflies

The paper investigates the genetic architecture of male pheromone compound production in Heliconius butterflies, finding significant QTL clustering on specific chromosomes.

A major locus controls a biologically active pheromone component in Heliconius melpomene

This study identifies a major genetic locus controlling octadecanal production in Heliconius melpomene, a biologically active pheromone component involved in mate choice.

Chemical signals act as the main reproductive barrier between sister and mimetic Heliconius butterflies

The paper identifies chemical signals as the primary reproductive barrier between two closely related, co-mimic Heliconius butterfly species.

Species specificity and intraspecific variation in the chemical profiles of Heliconius butterflies across a large geographic range

The paper examines chemical profile divergence in Heliconius butterflies, finding strong interspecific differences and some intraspecific variation, with implications for species recognition.

A novel terpene synthase produces an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone in the butterfly Heliconius melpomene

The paper identifies a novel terpene synthase in Heliconius melpomene that synthesizes (E)-β-ocimene, an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone, showing it evolved independently from plant and other insect TPSs.

Male pheromone composition depends on larval but not adult diet in Heliconius melpomene

The study investigates how larval and adult diets affect pheromone composition in male Heliconius melpomene, finding no effect of adult diet but variation due to larval host plants.