Research overview
Acquiring more knowledge about the patterns and processes shaping life on earth is of great importance during a time where biodiversity in many regions is seriously threatened. Most of my research is focused in the tropics, where loss of biodiversity is high and knowledge about biodiversity is low. My research attempts to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the great diversity of tropical Lepidoptera and Trichoptera, and combines studies on systematics, biogeography and diversification with phylogenomics and transcriptomics.
My research interests spans the entire spectrum of evolution from genes to macroevolution and I have a special interest in how to effectively use dried insects in collections in phylogenomic research.
Current main projects:
1) Systematics and the evolution of myrmecophily and myrmecophagy in Lycaenidae
2) Phylogeny and diversification of Riodinidae
3) Phylogenomics and the higher level classification of the Euptychiina (Satyrinae, Nymphalidae)
4) Phylogeny of butterflies
5) Genetic basis of butterfly- ant association
My research interests spans the entire spectrum of evolution from genes to macroevolution and I have a special interest in how to effectively use dried insects in collections in phylogenomic research.
Current main projects:
1) Systematics and the evolution of myrmecophily and myrmecophagy in Lycaenidae
2) Phylogeny and diversification of Riodinidae
3) Phylogenomics and the higher level classification of the Euptychiina (Satyrinae, Nymphalidae)
4) Phylogeny of butterflies
5) Genetic basis of butterfly- ant association