Jeff Mitton

The colors and patterns of black swallowtails reveal the diversity of evolutionary dynamics acting on the sexes and the various life-history stages

Evolutionary biologists have noted that effective chemical defenses promote gregarious behavior   During fall in the mountains, ladybugs migrate uphill, forming dense overwintering populations, defended by the alkaloids of

Mutations produce new genetic forms all the time, in all species, in all genesAt this time of year, firemoths (Schinia masoni) can be seen on blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata), a colorful native wildflower.   Evolution is the

Reakirt's blue, Echinargus isola, is one of ten species of blue butterflies in the Front RangeReakirt's blue butterflies were moving among the flower heads of white clover in my lawn. I presumed that they were nectaring, but I watched closely

Common stork's bill or redstem filaree, Erodium circutarium, is flowering now on the plains and in the foothills. Its blooms are small, just 10 to 15 mm across, but such a striking shade of deep lavender that they catch the eye

The song spread is critically important in defense of a territory and the song is also evaluated by females as a facet of courtingFrom the branch above me, a male red-winged blackbird took a deep breath, hunched up his shoulders, flared the feathers

Introductions, both accidental and purposeful, frequently have tragic consequencesAmerican elms, Ulmus americana, are native to North America from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia and from Texas to Florida. They grow 60 to 80 feet tall, with a thick

The flowers of salt and pepper are tiny and arranged into compound groups called umbels, or bouquets in the shape of an umbrella

Two simple contrasts illustrate how the environments occupied by tiger whiptails differ in fundamental waysA long slender lizard moved among trees in a pinyon-juniper woodland on the Colorado Plateau, searching the accumulated debris beneath the

Understanding genetic diversity in a species is especially important for conservation and restoration efforts