Riddhi Deshmukh
PhD student, Biodiversity Lab, NCBS
I study the genetic and developmental bases of wing patterns in the Papilio polytes butterfly, which shows female-limited Batesian mimicry and polymorphism. Several physiological and morphological changes take place in wing patterns and pigments of the mimic to resemble the model, which makes them excellent systems to study wing pattern evolution, genetics and development. My project aims to characterize genetic and developmental changes that control the female-limited polymorphism in this species.
I am a biotechnologist by training; I did B. Sc. Biotechnology from Ruia College, Mumbai and M. Sc. Biotechnology from IIT Bombay. My interests in evolutionary biology led me to pursue a PhD in the field. Outside of my work, I am very fond of swimming, reading novels, dance and movies.