Marcus Kronforst

  • Title: Neubauer Family Assistant Professor
  • Education: PhD, University of Texas at Austin
  • Joined UChicago faculty: 2012
  • mkronforst@uchicago.edu

Marcus Kronforst

Departmental website:
https://pondside.uchicago.edu/ee/people/kronforst.html
Lab website:
https://www.kronforstlab.org/

Marcus Kronforst's research focuses on the genetics and evolution of mimicry and speciation in butterflies. He and the members of his lab apply a combination of molecular and population genetics, phylogenetics, behavioral studies, and field research to address questions regarding evolution and genetics of adaptation and speciation.

Media Contacts

UChicago Medicine News Office

ACN logo

Expertise

Ecology and evolution, Evolutionary biology, Butterflies

Kronforst Stories

Secrets of the butterfly ‘supergene’ that controls wing colors and patterns Butterfly wing comparison

Secrets of the butterfly ‘supergene’ that controls wing colors and patterns

Research from UChicago dissects how a single genetic switch helps butterflies mimic wing patterns of other species to protect themselves from predators

Three UChicago scholars receive 2025 Guggenheim Fellowships A student walks between two flowering trees

Three UChicago scholars receive 2025 Guggenheim Fellowships

Asian butterfly populations show different mimicry patterns thanks to genetic ‘switch’ Butterfly in the wild

Asian butterfly populations show different mimicry patterns thanks to genetic ‘switch’

Study can help scientists understand genetic differences behind phenotypes in animal kingdom

Monarch butterflies bred in captivity may lose ability to migrate Monarch butterfly

Monarch butterflies bred in captivity may lose ability to migrate

Single genetic switch changes butterfly wing color, study finds Butterfly on a feeder

Single genetic switch changes butterfly wing color, study finds

Take time to enjoy some of Chicago’s beautiful “Urban Nature”

Take time to enjoy some of Chicago’s beautiful “Urban Nature”

Asst. Prof. Marcus Kronforst introduces video series on city flora and fauna


'Urban Nature' Web Series Zooms In On Green Roof At Notebaert Museum

'Urban Nature' Web Series Zooms In On Green Roof At Notebaert Museum

Asst. Prof. Marcus Kronforst to host PBS show on wildlife in urban settings


DNA Info

Genetic secrets of the monarch butterfly revealed Monarch

Genetic secrets of the monarch butterfly revealed

How One Gene Gives Monarch Butterflies the Power to Migrate

How One Gene Gives Monarch Butterflies the Power to Migrate

Asst. Prof. Marcus Kronforst authors study that suggests monarch butterflies can fly long distances because of more efficient muscles


A single gene called doublesex controls wing mimicry in butterflies

A single gene called doublesex controls wing mimicry in butterflies