Reza Zahiri

Papers

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About

Dr. Reza Zahiri is a leading evolutionary biologist whose research illuminates the hidden world of anti-predator coloration in insects. His most cited work, "Body size affects the evolution of hidden colour signals in moths" (2017, 56 citations), provides a groundbreaking explanation for why some cryptic prey species possess startling, contrasting colour displays while others do not. By demonstrating that larger-bodied moths are more likely to evolve these hidden signals, Zahiri revealed a fundamental link between body size and the economics of predator defense—showing that the benefits of startling a predator outweigh the costs of being conspicuous only when the prey is a substantial meal. This work has reshaped our understanding of the evolution of aposematism and flash displays. With a career focused on the interplay between morphology, behaviour, and natural selection, Zahiri’s contributions are essential reading for anyone studying predator-prey dynamics, the evolution of colour, and the adaptive significance of animal signals.