The Papaj Laboratory studies the reproductive dynamics of insects in the context of coevolved interactions. We are particularly interested in how the flexibility of an animal's behavior or physiology permits it to maintain high performance in variable environments. Plant-insect interactions are our primary focus, including mainly plant-herbivore and plant-pollinator interactions. Host-parasite, predator-prey, intrasexual and intersexual interactions are considered as well. Within this species interaction context, research topics addressed in our laboratory are diverse, as reflected in a list of keywords that describe recent work.

Keywords: learning and host specialization • phenotypic plasticity • host selection behavior • thermal ecology • natal habitat preference induction • visual ecology • signal detection theory • speed-accuracy tradeoffs • ovarian dynamics• costs of plasticity (costs of learning) • mating dynamics • multimodal signaling • chemical ecology • mimicry and warning coloration • coevolution

Notice: Our postdoctoral position is now filled. Thanks to all for your interest.

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