Kevin P. Johnson

A phylogenomic framework for avian feather lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera)

This study constructs a comprehensive phylogenomic tree of avian feather lice using 260 samples and 2,395 genes, resolving higher-level relationships and providing a framework for future comparative studies.

The genomic landscape of asymmetric introgression tracks chromosomal characteristics in tinamous (Aves: Tinamidae)

The paper quantifies introgression in tinamou species, showing asymmetric patterns linked to chromosomal features and resolving their species tree through genome-architecture-aware phylogenomics.

Whole-genomes illuminate the drivers of gene tree discordance and the tempo of tinamou diversification (Aves: Tinamidae)

The paper uses whole-genome data from tinamous to reconstruct their phylogeny, estimate divergence times, and assess the impact of incomplete lineage sorting and introgression on genome evolution.

Independent and repeated acquisition of endosymbiotic bacteria across the diversification of feather lice

The paper investigates the distribution and evolutionary history of Sodalis bacteria in feather lice, finding independent and repeated acquisitions across different louse clades.

Genomics of experimental adaptive radiation in the cryptic coloration of feather lice

This study tracks genomic changes in feather lice adapting to different host color backgrounds over four years, finding distinct genetic responses to similar environmental pressures.

Mitochondrial genome fragmentation is correlated with increased rates of molecular evolution

The paper examines mitochondrial genome fragmentation in parasitic lice, finding higher molecular evolution rates and gene rearrangements in fragmented mitogenomes.

Chromosome-aware phylogenomics of Assassin Bugs (Hemiptera: Reduvioidea) elucidates ancient gene conflict

The paper investigates phylogenetic conflict in assassin bugs by analyzing X chromosome and autosome genes, finding that X chromosome genes show more discordant phylogenies due to higher substitution rates.

Genome-resolved metagenomic analyses reveal the presence of a bacterial endosymbiont in an avian nasal mite (Rhinonyssidae; Mesostigmata)

The paper investigates the microbiome of an avian nasal mite, identifying a bacterial endosymbiont from Class Alphaproteobacteria.

The assembled and annotated genome of the pigeon louse Columbicola columbae, a model ectoparasite

The paper presents a high-quality genome assembly and annotation for the pigeon louse Columbicola columbae, revealing genomic features shared with other lice and insights into its adaptation to host-parasite interactions.