PIF2024 - MARCAS GENOMICAS Y EPIGENOMICAS EN MARIPOSAS MIGRATORIAS (PID2023-152239NB-I00)

Butterfly migration has long captivated scientists worldwide, yet the biological causes and effects of this behavior remain poorly understood. Partly, the key of this knowledge is hidden in the genomes. The MIGRASPHERE project seeks to uncover genetic features and regulatory mechanisms that, in response to environmental cues, shape migratory behavior in butterflies. We will generate new reference genomes and investigate the genes that influence orientation preferences in species or populations from the northern and southern hemispheres, where different seasonal and sky cues may lead to distinct orientation strategies. Additionally, we will use advanced epigenomic tools to study migratory behavior under simulated natural conditions in the lab. By raising butterflies in diverse environments, we aim to identify genes that link behavior to factors like photoperiod or changes in larval host plants. MIGRASPHERE addresses key genetic questions related to migration, such as the adaptation to migratory divides, shifts in movement direction, the evolution of sensory gene families, and epigenetic responses to rapid environmental changes. The PhD candidate will join a highly interdisciplinary team and receive training in evolutionary genomics, animal behavior and migration ecology. Opportunities to attend conferences, conduct research stays abroad, and participate in fieldwork expeditions will be encouraged.