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Signaling and selection in Calopteryx damselflies

Project Abstract: 
Predicted changes in habitat area due to global climate change may reduce available habit for damselflies and bring together closely related species that were previously separate. These changes may affect reproductive isolation between species and the evolution of mating signals. Wing color variation has been shown to be an important trait for species recognition in Calopteryx damselflies and there is evidence that this trait can evolve rapidly in some species in response to changes in range distribution. In addition to species recognition, wing color as well as body color may be important signals during intraspecific mate choice. In this project, we will determine the roles of species recognition and mate choice in these color traits by documenting geographic variation and selection on wing and body coloration in two Michigan species of damselflies, Calopteryx maculata and C. aequabilis.
Investigator(s): 
Status of Research Project: 
Years Active: 
2010
Methods: 
We will be collecting Calopteryx maculata and C. aequabilis in sympatric and allopatric populations and measuring color and habitat preferences. Color will be measuring using a reflectance spectrometer. Various aspects that we will measure of their mating habitat include canopy cover, light intensity, irradiance, water flow rate, and water quality. We will collect C. aequabilis near UMBS and transport them to the Kellogg Biological Station to include in a caged experiment of mate preference. This study will not have an environmental impact on the study areas.Ir
Funding agency: 
NSF-BEACON