We combine macro-evolutionary analyses of phenotypic evolution using collection specimens in a phylogenetic context, with micro-evolutionary studies of particular species, focusing on flight and predation to identify the drivers of the evolution of tails in different groups.
Evolution of tails in Papilionidae
Wing tails have evolved many times in Papilionidae. They even gave its nickname to the family: swallowtail butterflies. Suprizingly enough for such a conspicuous trait, we know very little on the drivers of its evolution: why do some species have tails while others don’t?
This was the PhD project of Ariane Chotard
Evolution of tails in Charaxinae
Charaxinae are strong and fast Nymphalidae flyers. In the Charaxes genus in particular, many species exhibit one or – most often – two tails. What are the drivers of their evolution?
This is the PhD project of Antoine Parsékian
www.evomorpho.com 