Michelle Solensky Discusses Monarch Butterflies at April 8 Faculty at Large Lecture

Assistant professor of biology to present free lecture in Lean Lecture Room of Wishart Hall

Michelle Solensky

WOOSTER, Ohio - Michelle Solensky, assistant professor of biology at The College of Wooster, will deliver the final Faculty at Large lecture of the spring semester on Tuesday, April 8, when she presents "Sex Around the Milkweed Patch: Reproductive Strategies of Monarch Butterflies." The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 11 a.m. in Lean Lecture Room of Wishart Hall (303 E. University Street).

Solensky's research has examined both female and male choices in monarch butterflies. "I have found no direct evidence for precopulatory female choice, but I have discovered several patterns about male mating success," she said. "Male mating frequency has a genetic component, although features of the habitat can influence the outcome of mating attempts. Adult male coloration correlates with male mating success, though it appears this pattern stems from inherent male characteristics rather than female choice for male wing coloration." Solensky also found that male monarch butterflies are discriminating in their reproductive investments. "They adjust sperm transfer based on female mating history and the subsequent risk of competing with sperm from a previous male."

Solensky, who joined Wooster's faculty in 2004, specializes in animal behavior and insect ecology. She earned her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1996), and her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota (2003).

The Faculty at Large lecture series was established in 1999 to give members of the faculty an opportunity to share their latest research and interests with colleagues, students, staff, and residents of the community. Additional information is available by phone (330-263-2576) or e-mail (dsines@wooster.edu).