M. Deane Bowers

Professor & Curator of Entomology,
University Museum

m.bowers@colorado.edu
303-492-5530
Ramaley N295 (office), Museum/Entomology (lab)
CU Museum Entomology

Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, 1979

Research Interests

Ecology and evolution of insect-plant interactions, with emphasis on four interrelated areas: (1) the chemical ecology of plant-insect-predator interactions; (2) the evolution of unpalatability as a defense strategy of insects, and the cost of chemical defense in insects; (3) plant allocation patterns and defense against herbivores; and (4) the interaction of insects and their predators.

Recent Publications

Bowers, M.D. In press. Chemical Defenses in Woolly Bears: Sequestration and Efficacy against Predators and Parasitoids. Chapter 5 in: W. Conner (ed.). Tiger Moths and Woolly Bears: Behavior, Ecology and Natrual History of the Arctiidae. Oxford University Press.

Barton, K.E. and M.D. Bowers. 2006. Neighbor species alter resistance phenotypes in Plantago (Plantaginaceae). Oecologia 150:442-452.

Prudic, K., Oliver, J. and M.D. Bowers. 2005. Soil nutrient effects on oviposition preference, larval performance, and chemical defense of a specialist insect
herbivore. Oecologia 143:578-587.

Fuchs, A. and M.D. Bowers. 2004. Patterns of iridoid glycoside production and induction in Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae) and the importance of plant age. Journal of Chemical Ecology 30:1723-1742.

Bowers, M.D. 2003. Defensive chemistry and ecology of the Catalpa Sphinx, Ceratomia catalpae (Sphingidae). Journal of Chemical Ecology 29:2359-2367.