Lisa A. Taylor

Dr. Lisa A. Taylor is an Assistant Research Scientist in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. Her work focuses on behavioral ecology and evolution, particularly the role of coloration in arthropod communication and predator-prey interactions. She employs field observations and laboratory experiments to study sexual selection, sensory exploitation, and predator psychology in spiders and wasps.

Her research investigates how color patterns evolve under ecological and social pressures, including studies on color change in Green Lynx spiders, chemical and visual cues in jumping spider courtship, and the impact of prey coloration on predator behavior. Dr. Taylor's team also explores the evolution of color vision in jumping spiders and its link to sexual display diversification.

Recent studies highlight her work on mantidfly-host interactions, spider foraging strategies influenced by prey color and odor, and the absence of neophobic reactions to novel colors in foraging spiders. Her findings contribute to understanding biodiversity through the lens of sensory systems and ecological adaptation.

Lisa Taylor is affiliated with Steinmetz Hall in Gainesville, FL, and maintains an active laboratory page detailing ongoing projects. Her research has been supported by grants such as the NSF-funded collaborative study on jumping spider vision evolution. Despite no listed awards, her peer-reviewed publications (over 50 articles from 2006–2025) demonstrate sustained contributions to arachnid behavioral research.