Morphic speciation in Mnais damselflies
Polymorphism may play a role in speciation, but how morphs diversify into independent lineages is unclear. The alternative adaptation hypothesis (West-Eberhard 1986) predicts that 'developmental character release', generated by the loss of a morph, plays a key role.
We are investigating this hypothesis by comparing body size, and wing shape in closely related damselflies that co-exist as either polymorphic or monomorphic populations. This work is part of a long-term collaboration with Prof. Yoshitaka Tsubaki (Kyoto).
In a more recent collaboration with Dr Phill Watts (Oulu, Finland) we are hoping to carry out out a phylogenetic appraisal of Mnais damselflies throughout Eastern Asia, with emphasis on Japanese populations.
We are investigating this hypothesis by comparing body size, and wing shape in closely related damselflies that co-exist as either polymorphic or monomorphic populations. This work is part of a long-term collaboration with Prof. Yoshitaka Tsubaki (Kyoto).
In a more recent collaboration with Dr Phill Watts (Oulu, Finland) we are hoping to carry out out a phylogenetic appraisal of Mnais damselflies throughout Eastern Asia, with emphasis on Japanese populations.