Nature’s miniature solar panels: the thermal properties of butterfly wing scales and their evolution

We are seeking an enthusiastic student with interests in ecology and evolution to work on a project investigating the evolution of wing scale nanostructures and thermal adaptation in tropical Andean butterflies. The wings of butterflies are covered in thousands of scales that have evolved to serve a range of functions including aerodynamic efficiency, colour signalling, camouflage, hydrophobicity and thermoregulation. Fundamental to these functions is the nanostructure of the scales.

Interest in organisms’ adaptation to their thermal environment has grown in recent years as we try to understand and predict how organisms will respond to climate change. Butterflies are one of the best-studied insect groups with respect to thermal adaptation. While the importance of the wings for thermoregulation has been known for some time, only recently has the importance of the wing scale nanostructures begun to be appreciated.

The project can be tailored to the interests of the student but would likely include working with museum collections of butterflies at the Natural History Museum (under the supervision of Dr Huetas), using cutting-edge techniques for measuring scale nanostructure (under the supervision of Dr Parnell) and computational analysis to investigate ecological correlates of wing scale nanostructure (under the supervision of Dr Thomas). It could also involve fieldwork in South America to obtain further butterfly specimens, ecological data and/or test hypotheses about thermal adaptation. This project builds on recent work in Dr Nadeau’s research group investigating the evolution, genetics and development of butterfly wing scale nanostructures and thermal adaptation in tropical Andean butterflies. The outcomes of this project could have applications in the design of nanomaterials to improve the thermal efficiency of man-made structures such as windows and solar panels.

Science Graduate School
As a PhD student in one of the science departments at the University of Sheffield, you’ll be part of the Science Graduate School. You’ll get access to training opportunities designed to support your career development by helping you gain professional skills that are essential in all areas of science. You’ll be able to learn how to recognise good research and research behaviour, improve your communication abilities and experience the breadth of technologies that are used in academia, industry and many related careers. Visit http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/sgs to learn more.

This PhD project is part of the NERC funded Doctoral Training Partnership “ACCE” (Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment. ACCE is a partnership between the Universities of Sheffield, Liverpool, York, CEH, and NHM, for more information about ACCE and how to apply please visit the website https://acce.shef.ac.uk/phd-opportunities/sheffield/

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to take place in the w/c 22nd February 2021.