The University of Arizona
Insect Science: the Graduate Interdisciplinary Program
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Jeffrey C. Oliver

Jeff Oliver

Bio Sketch

Research Interests:

I am interested in the evolution of phytophagous insects, particularly effects of host-range on insect population genetics and phylogeography. My empirical work focuses mostly on members of the Lycaenidae, or gossamer-winged butterflies. I am working on two intrageneric phylogenies (in the genera Everes and Lycaena), as well as intraspecific gene flow within a pair of Lycaena species. Additionally, I am investigating the host use patterns within each of these genera to determine the effects of novel host plants on population genetics of phytophagous insects. I am also interested in methods of hypothesis testing in phylogeography. I am currently evaluating popular methods of phylogeographic hypothesis testing by simulating data and assessing the validity of methods’ inferences.