This has got to be the #colsci paper to end all #colsci papers! Huge congratulations to @wlallen.bsky.social and Iliana Medina for this monumental effort. 🤯 Chefs kiss 🤌🏽
📢🦋 Our paper ‘Global selection on insect antipredator coloration’ is out and featured on the cover of @science.org
We ran a huge experiment to find out how ecological context favours camouflage and warning colouration as antipredator strategies. 1/6
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
We ran a huge experiment to find out how ecological context favours camouflage and warning colouration as antipredator strategies. 1/6
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
September 26, 2025 at 1:21 PM
This has got to be the #colsci paper to end all #colsci papers! Huge congratulations to @wlallen.bsky.social and Iliana Medina for this monumental effort. 🤯 Chefs kiss 🤌🏽
Pick an idiom: "more than meets the eye", "beauty more than skin [feather] deep" etc.
In work led by Rosalyn Price-Waldman, we describe a hidden (and ignored!) black or white layer found below the visible surface of bird feathers which helps make bird colours so striking!
🧪 🪶 #colsci
In work led by Rosalyn Price-Waldman, we describe a hidden (and ignored!) black or white layer found below the visible surface of bird feathers which helps make bird colours so striking!
🧪 🪶 #colsci
Songbirds play optical tricks to make their feather colors ‘pop’
Concealed black or white bands on feathers boost the vibrancy of bird plumage
www.science.org
August 13, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Pick an idiom: "more than meets the eye", "beauty more than skin [feather] deep" etc.
In work led by Rosalyn Price-Waldman, we describe a hidden (and ignored!) black or white layer found below the visible surface of bird feathers which helps make bird colours so striking!
🧪 🪶 #colsci
In work led by Rosalyn Price-Waldman, we describe a hidden (and ignored!) black or white layer found below the visible surface of bird feathers which helps make bird colours so striking!
🧪 🪶 #colsci
Leaf? 🍃 Or katydid? 🦗
Our new
@plosbiology.org paper sheds light on how these incredible mimics evolved their disguises, and what this reveals about how complex adaptations arise. We find that coordinated evolution between traits might be the answer… plos.io/4oUE741 1/n
Our new
@plosbiology.org paper sheds light on how these incredible mimics evolved their disguises, and what this reveals about how complex adaptations arise. We find that coordinated evolution between traits might be the answer… plos.io/4oUE741 1/n
Functional and evolutionary synergy of trait components can explain the existence of leaf masquerade in katydids
The evolution of complex adaptations often involves synergistic changes in multiple traits that lack standalone function. This study shows that leaf masquerade in katydids evolved through concurrent m...
plos.io
November 5, 2025 at 12:32 PM
I am so excited to share new work on a TE insertion that regulates iridescence in swordtails, led by fantastic grad student @nadiahaghani.bsky.social and with help from many coauthors! In a time that has been so difficult to navigate, this & other projects have kept my spirits up: shorturl.at/NE65A
Insertion of an invading retrovirus regulates a novel color trait in swordtail fish
For over a century, evolutionary biologists have been motivated to understand the mechanisms through which organisms adapt to their environments. Coloration and pigmentation are remarkably variable wi...
shorturl.at
November 13, 2025 at 4:15 PM
New paper alert! 🎉
We found some interesting differences in defensive strategies in our cute little Amata wasp moths.
royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/...
@hannahmrowland.bsky.social @liisahamalainen.bsky.social @mherberstein.bsky.social @kateumbers.bsky.social @gmramon.bsky.social #OzInverts
We found some interesting differences in defensive strategies in our cute little Amata wasp moths.
royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/...
@hannahmrowland.bsky.social @liisahamalainen.bsky.social @mherberstein.bsky.social @kateumbers.bsky.social @gmramon.bsky.social #OzInverts
April 23, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Exciting new #colsci!
Published today, plumage color genomics! We trace the evolutionary history of a trait under sexual selection in a genus of dancing manakins. Co-led with H.C. Lim. #evobio #birds 🧪 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
November 20, 2024 at 8:21 PM
Exciting new #colsci!
Kudos to Sam Hulse for his latest paper in showing how to harness AI to study the design component of animal communication signal. #visualecology #AI
January 8, 2025 at 8:29 AM
🧪 Check this if you are interested in the convoluted evolution of lacertid colours. Yes, I know, we missed a unique opportunity opportunity to call the phenomenon "Chromatic Barrier of the Appennines", which totally sounds like a badass DnD spell.
#evolution #colsci #lizard #sexualselection
#evolution #colsci #lizard #sexualselection
Interactions similar to rock-paper-scissors help maintain color diversity in some lizard species, but the introduction of a dominant new phenotype can disrupt this balance and lead to color loss. doi.org/hbhxh4
How a biological version of rock-paper-scissors determines if lizard colors are maintained or lost
Two new studies into lizard colors reveal how one species maintains its colorful diversity while others are losing their ancient colors.
phys.org
January 7, 2026 at 4:14 PM
🧪 Check this if you are interested in the convoluted evolution of lacertid colours. Yes, I know, we missed a unique opportunity opportunity to call the phenomenon "Chromatic Barrier of the Appennines", which totally sounds like a badass DnD spell.
#evolution #colsci #lizard #sexualselection
#evolution #colsci #lizard #sexualselection
Do you love bugs? Have you ever wondered what makes insects so colorful or how insects produce iridescence in their scales? Do you have a Masters degree?
If yes 😁, we are offering a fully-funded PhD position at IRBI (CNRS/UTours). Come join us!! Applications due 11 April 2025!
#ColSci #Bugs #omics
If yes 😁, we are offering a fully-funded PhD position at IRBI (CNRS/UTours). Come join us!! Applications due 11 April 2025!
#ColSci #Bugs #omics
March 3, 2025 at 2:57 PM
NEW PAPER📝
Plumage polymorphism in the black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) is strongly associated with expression level of agouti signalling protein
J. of Heredity. 2nd Chapter from Ed Rodseth's PhD, co-supervised by Rob Ingle
doi.org/10.1093/jher...
#RaptorResearch #ornithology #colsci
Plumage polymorphism in the black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) is strongly associated with expression level of agouti signalling protein
J. of Heredity. 2nd Chapter from Ed Rodseth's PhD, co-supervised by Rob Ingle
doi.org/10.1093/jher...
#RaptorResearch #ornithology #colsci
November 25, 2024 at 7:27 AM
NEW PAPER📝
Plumage polymorphism in the black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) is strongly associated with expression level of agouti signalling protein
J. of Heredity. 2nd Chapter from Ed Rodseth's PhD, co-supervised by Rob Ingle
doi.org/10.1093/jher...
#RaptorResearch #ornithology #colsci
Plumage polymorphism in the black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) is strongly associated with expression level of agouti signalling protein
J. of Heredity. 2nd Chapter from Ed Rodseth's PhD, co-supervised by Rob Ingle
doi.org/10.1093/jher...
#RaptorResearch #ornithology #colsci
Haha, thanks Benito - there is certainly plenty more colsci to come.
September 26, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Haha, thanks Benito - there is certainly plenty more colsci to come.
My fave colour constancy example: asterisked central squares on both faces are the same colour #TheDress #colsci http://t.co/Fi2v9x8m0a
November 22, 2024 at 4:24 AM
My fave colour constancy example: asterisked central squares on both faces are the same colour #TheDress #colsci http://t.co/Fi2v9x8m0a
"We name [this gene] Redboy based on its functional role in the programmed body colour transition of orchid mantis, reflecting the demon ‘Red Boy’ who changed his red clothes to white after becoming a fairy in Chinese mythology"
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
#evodevo #colsci
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
#evodevo #colsci
The pigment transporter Redboy confers programmed body colour transition in orchid mantises - Nature Ecology & Evolution
First-instar orchid mantis nymphs avoid predators by mimicking black-red assassin bugs, whereas those in later instars avoid predators and attract prey by camouflaging themselves as lighter-coloured f...
www.nature.com
July 12, 2025 at 5:25 PM
"We name [this gene] Redboy based on its functional role in the programmed body colour transition of orchid mantis, reflecting the demon ‘Red Boy’ who changed his red clothes to white after becoming a fairy in Chinese mythology"
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
#evodevo #colsci
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
#evodevo #colsci
Links between color conspicuousness, territorial behavior, and steroids in a color polymorphic lizard
#ColSci #Reptile #Polymorphism
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#ColSci #Reptile #Polymorphism
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
September 10, 2026 at 6:49 AM
Links between color conspicuousness, territorial behavior, and steroids in a color polymorphic lizard
#ColSci #Reptile #Polymorphism
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#ColSci #Reptile #Polymorphism
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
Nuptial coloration in fiddler crabs as an indicator of reproductive quality
#Crab #ColSci #Signal #IndividualQuality
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#Crab #ColSci #Signal #IndividualQuality
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
Crab Walking with Large Yellow Claw
ALT: Crab Walking with Large Yellow Claw
static.klipy.com
June 9, 2026 at 4:27 AM
Nuptial coloration in fiddler crabs as an indicator of reproductive quality
#Crab #ColSci #Signal #IndividualQuality
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#Crab #ColSci #Signal #IndividualQuality
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
🧪 New paper out! Growing up, wall lizards undergo a UV-visible “awkward phase” (who doesn’t?) that we can’t see—but they can. These ontogenetic color changes may mediate juvenile–adult interactions by delaying the onset of adult social signals. doi.org/10.1002/jez.... #colsci #lizard #ontogeny
Cryptic Ontogenetic Changes in the Ventral Coloration of a Color Polymorphic Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
Wall lizards' ventral coloration undergoes cryptic ontogenetic color changes invisible without UV vision. We tracked wall lizards from hatching to one year of age. Spectrophotometry and visual modeli...
doi.org
September 29, 2025 at 8:42 AM
🧪 New paper out! Growing up, wall lizards undergo a UV-visible “awkward phase” (who doesn’t?) that we can’t see—but they can. These ontogenetic color changes may mediate juvenile–adult interactions by delaying the onset of adult social signals. doi.org/10.1002/jez.... #colsci #lizard #ontogeny
Ecological contexts shape sexual selection on male color morphs in wood tiger moths
#ColSci #Insect #Moth
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#ColSci #Insect #Moth
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
June 4, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Ecological contexts shape sexual selection on male color morphs in wood tiger moths
#ColSci #Insect #Moth
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#ColSci #Insect #Moth
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
New pre-print out, how behaviour shapes camouflage evolution for spiders!
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
May 14, 2026 at 12:05 PM
First paper out on this incredible study system! We describe the remarkably different hunting displays used by the broadclub cuttlefish in the wild.
Paper: dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy....
Stay tuned for more!!
@drmartinjhow.bsky.social @vancedberg.bsky.social @ecologyofvision.bsky.social
Paper: dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy....
Stay tuned for more!!
@drmartinjhow.bsky.social @vancedberg.bsky.social @ecologyofvision.bsky.social
February 19, 2025 at 11:54 AM
It's out! Read about how to combine advanced animal vision modelling and colour pattern analysis with comparative phylogenetic methods in arguably some of the most incredible critters in the ocean: doi.org/10.1111/1365....
Amazing work with amazing people! #colsci #micaToolbox #AnimalEcology
Amazing work with amazing people! #colsci #micaToolbox #AnimalEcology
Diel activity correlates with colour pattern morphology of heterobranch sea slugs
The authors show that daytime activity fundamentally shapes the appearance of prey animals to potential predators and that colour pattern phenotypes likely associated with visual signalling are predo....
doi.org
April 16, 2025 at 8:14 AM
It's out! Read about how to combine advanced animal vision modelling and colour pattern analysis with comparative phylogenetic methods in arguably some of the most incredible critters in the ocean: doi.org/10.1111/1365....
Amazing work with amazing people! #colsci #micaToolbox #AnimalEcology
Amazing work with amazing people! #colsci #micaToolbox #AnimalEcology
Perch choice and substrate matching to the dorsal patterns of Amphibolurus muricatus lizards
#Reptile #Camouflage #JackyDragon
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#Reptile #Camouflage #JackyDragon
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
December 11, 2025 at 9:40 AM
🧪Buying a UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer for The Lab. We do lots of fieldwork in remote, hot, dry places. A *portable* unit that can take the heat and has a good battery life is ideal.
Is Ocean Optics/Insight still the way to go? Anyone have a unit they recommend? TY #colsci #fieldwork 🦎🏝
Is Ocean Optics/Insight still the way to go? Anyone have a unit they recommend? TY #colsci #fieldwork 🦎🏝
February 29, 2024 at 4:46 PM
🧪Buying a UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer for The Lab. We do lots of fieldwork in remote, hot, dry places. A *portable* unit that can take the heat and has a good battery life is ideal.
Is Ocean Optics/Insight still the way to go? Anyone have a unit they recommend? TY #colsci #fieldwork 🦎🏝
Is Ocean Optics/Insight still the way to go? Anyone have a unit they recommend? TY #colsci #fieldwork 🦎🏝