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Riitta Johanna Mappes (born 13 October 1965 in Valkeakoski, Finland) is a Finnish evolutionary ecologist. In her research, Mappes focuses on interspecific interactions, especially the evolution of warning signals and mimicry in chemically defended prey, but also the evolution of bacterial virulence as well as the evolution of sexual and asexual reproduction.
In 2003 The Academy of Finland awarded Mappes the 'Young Dynamic Researcher Award' for her research merits, especially for developing and using the ‘novel world method’ in studying the evolution of aposematism.
Mappes earned her MSc degree in 1991 and her PhD in 1994 from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Her doctoral thesis focused on reproductive tactics and maternal care in shield bugs, particularly the parent bug (Elasmucha grisea). Her other study species include the wood tiger moth (Parasemia plantaginis), vipers (Viperidae), the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) and the drumming wolf-spider (Hygrolycosa rubrofasciata).
Since 2008 Mappes has worked as a professor of evolutionary ecology at the University of Jyväskylä, and she is the head of the Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions Research appointed by the Academy of Finland for the years 2012-2017.