English

Equivariant $H\underline{\mathbb{F}}_p$-modules are wild

Representation Theory 2026-05-11 v2 Algebraic Topology

Abstract

Let kk be an arbitrary field of characteristic pp and let GG be a finite group. We investigate the representation type, derived representation type, and singularity category of the kk-linear (cohomological) Mackey algebra. We classify when the cohomological Mackey algebra is wild for GG a cyclic pp-group. Furthermore, we show the cohomological Mackey algebra is derived wild whenever GG surjects onto a pp-group of order more than two, and the Mackey algebra is derived wild whenever GG is a nontrivial pp-group. Derived wildness has some immediate consequences in equivariant homotopy theory. In particular, for the constant Mackey functor k\underline{k}, the classification of compact modules over the GG-equivariant Eilenberg--MacLane spectrum HkH\underline{k} is also wild whenever GG surjects onto a pp-group of order more than two. Thus, in contrast to recent work at the prime 22 by Dugger, Hazel, and the second author, no meaningful classification of compact CpC_p-equivariant HFpH\underline{\mathbb{F}}_p-modules exists at odd primes. For the Burnside Mackey functor Ak\underline{A}_k, there is no classification of compact GG-equivariant HAkH\underline{A}_k-modules whenever GG is a nontrivial pp-group.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2509.17604,
  title  = {Equivariant $H\underline{\mathbb{F}}_p$-modules are wild},
  author = {Jacob Fjeld Grevstad and Clover May},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.17604},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

55 pages, 1 figure, 2 tables; v2 minor revisions

R2 v1 2026-07-01T05:49:16.795Z