Andrew Kraemer

I am interested in how the selective mechanisms that factor into the generation of phenotypic diversity can differ from the mechanisms that maintain that diversity once it emerges, specifically in unusual and fascinating selective regimes, such as aposematism and mimicry.

Right now I am working on the maintenance of a Batesian mimetic relationship between a pair of salamander species: the eastern red-spotted newt (the toxic model) and the erythristic, or all-red, morph of the red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus, the Batesian mimic). I am testing hypotheses of coevolution between warning signals and secondary defenses, using these two species as a model system.

In addition to the evolution of Batesian mimicry, I am working to understand the genetic mutations that have led to the emergence of the erythristic morph in P. cinereus. By characterizing the genetic basis of this trait, I can examine the prevalence of genetic convergence or parallelism in warning signals for this Batesian mimic.

Publications
1. Kraemer, A.C., J. Kissner, and D.C. Adams. 2011. Temporal color changes in the Red-Backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) while kept in captivity. Journal of Herpetology. (Submitted).