Evolutionary Ecology - Mimicry beyond natural selection on colour
Guest Editors
David Outomuro, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Bibiana Rojas, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
Theme & Objective
This collection aims to collate articles that investigate current and novel aspects of mimicry evolution. Mimicry—the resemblance of another species to obtain fitness benefits—is now understood as a complex multimodal signal that involves much more than just visual signals based on colour and pattern. Mimicry also extends to chemical and auditory signals as well as behaviours and locomotion. Moreover, mimicry signals can also have dual function when used as sexually selected traits. How these complex signals evolve in relation to the perceptual capabilities and biases and response(s) of conspecifics and potential predators requires further research.
We seek Research Articles, Perspectives, and Review Articles (this opens in a new tab) for this growing topical collection (this opens in a new tab) that highlight the importance of expanding our understanding of the phenomenon of mimicry in the context of multimodal signals and potential multiple receivers. We will consider submissions regarding any taxa in areas including, but not limited to, chemical mimicry, auditory mimicry, behavioural mimicry, the role of mimetic signals in sexual selection, predator perception biases and evolution of complex mimicry signals. We especially encourage research groups from underrepresented regions to submit their work in any of the proposed areas. Students and Early Career Researchers (this opens in a new tab) are also encouraged to submit their research.
All manuscripts will be peer-reviewed by a panel of experts.
Pre-submission enquiries to the editors are welcome.
Submission Details
- Please follow the submission guidelines (this opens in a new tab) and our checklist (this opens in a new tab).
- Please submit online via SNAPP (this opens in a new tab) and select article type “Topical Collection: Mimicry beyond natural selection on colour”.
(Accepted articles will be made available Online First (this opens in a new tab) on an ongoing basis.)
About the Guest Editors
Dr. David Outomuro is a behavioural ecologist with interests in visual ecology and functional morphology of damselflies, dragonflies, butterflies and spiders. He is particularly interested in the study of colour signals, colour vision, motion signals, visual attention and predator behaviour. Dr. Outomuro uses an integrative, multidisciplinary approach, combining physiological, ecological and behavioural studies in the field and in the lab, with modeling and state-of-the-art statistical analyses. He is also an Associate Editor of Evolutionary Ecology. Dr. Outomuro research activities can be viewed here (this opens in a new tab).
Dr. Bibiana Rojas is a behavioural and evolutionary ecologist whose research interests have largely focused on predator-prey interactions. She is particularly interested in the evolution of warning signals and chemical defences, which she studies both in the lab and in the field on species with complex life cycles, particularly poison frogs and tiger moths. In addition to this, Dr. Rojas's research group also studies parental care, larval aggression, and other aspects of amphibian behaviour and ecology. She is also an Associate Editor of Evolutionary Ecology. More information on Dr. Rojas’ group’s research can be viewed here (this opens in a new tab).
Contact Information
David Outomuro
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Pittsburgh, PA
USA
outomuro.david@gmail.com (this opens in a new tab)
@DavidOutomuro (this opens in a new tab)
Bibiana Rojas
Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology
University of Veterinary Medicine
Vienna, Austria
bibiana.rojas@vetmeduni.ac.at (this opens in a new tab)
@biobiiana (this opens in a new tab)
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