Michael Canfield

Research Interests

My research is focused on the evolution of polyphenisms in the genus Nemoria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae).

Larval forms within the lepidopteran family Geometridae show a wide range of cryptic morphology. They mimic many different plant types and anatomical structures, including twigs, leaves, inflorescences, and mosses. These mimetic forms are created through the use of pigments distributed in myriad patterns throughout the larval epidermis, and by various projections and protuberances from thoracic and abdominal segments. In some species of the geometrid genus Nemoria, larvae can assume alternative cryptic forms which are determined by cues from the environment. Since these forms are developmental alternatives and not the result of genetic polymorphism, they are called "polyphenisms."

The 135 species of Nemoria have a Nearctic and Neotropical distribution, with 35 of them present in North America. The initial description and study of alternative polyphenism in this genus was done by Prof. Erick Greene, who is at the University of Montana and is a direct collaborator in this research. Greene's study of Nemoria arizonaria showed that larvae vary in both coloration and in larval morphology, depending on diet (Greene, 1989). Larvae that feed on oak catkins develop into perfect catkin mimics, complete with protuberances that closely resemble male stamenate flowers, while those that feed on oak leaves develop into twig mimics.

In my work, I am interested in reconstructing a molecular phylogeny of Nemoria based on molecular characters, and also in studying the developmental patterns of larvae of other Nemoria taxa.

Greene, E. 1989. A diet-induced developmental polymorphism in a caterpillar. Science 243: 643-646.

Education and Honors

2001 National Science Foundation - Graduate Research Fellowship
2001 Certificate of Distinction in Teaching- Biology 22: Animal Behavior (Harvard University)
2000 Certificate of Distinction in Teaching - Biological Sciences 2: Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (Harvard University)
1994 B.S. in Biology, The University of Michigan
1994 K.L. Jones Award for the outstanding undergraduate in plant biology (University of Michigan)

Publication

Canfield, M. R., J. J. Guiamet and L. D. Nooden. 1995. Alternation of soybean seedling development in darkness and light by the stay-green mutation cytG and Gd1d2. Annals of Botany 75: 143-150.