Section

Our research program lies at the interface of integrative taxonomic-systematics, ecological biogeography, and bioinformatic modelling, with a particular focus on probing macroecology and macroevolutionary questions. Particular emphasis is placed on unveiling evolutionary processes shaping the evolution of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), a superfamily of over 40,000 species.

In case you have an interest in joining the team, contact us!

Integrative taxonomy and Inventories of Neotropical tortoise beetle fauna:  We are currently working with colleagues in Colombia, Cuba, and Brazil to update our knowledge regarding the tortoise beetle fauna, counting on the description of new species, development of updated identification keys and faunistic records. This will allow the identification o potential biogeographical patterns that will be explored in future studies.

– Gregarious behavior in tortoise beetles: We are currently studying patterns and the emergence of gregarious behavior and its influence on the evolution of maternal care in tortoise beetles.

– Museomics and the evolution of antipredator traits: We are currently studying phenotypic integration towards antipredator adaptations in tortoise beetles. This research integrates the comparative morphology of extant and extinct taxa, statistical phylogenetics, and high throughput sequencing approaches, which enable the use of degraded DNA extracted from historical museum specimens.

-Total evidence systematics and beetle evolution: We study morphological evolution of different clades with leaf beetles using a diverse range of organisms using cutting-edge techniques such as MicroCT scanning, morphometrics, and molecular systematics.

-Niche dynamics of invasive insects: Collaborative work with institutes within Germany, Japan, US, and Brazil exploring niche dynamics related to invasive species.

Our research on this topic is taxon-independent, focusing solely on addressing the specific question at hand. This approach creates opportunities for collaboration with specialists from diverse backgrounds and groups, including experts in marine crustaceans, grasshoppers, butterflies, bees, and more. Ultimately, my work is driven by the questions I aim to answer.

Within all the projects, strong emphasis is placed on extensive data derived from collection material and interconnection between research areas. Using cutting-edge approaches and a large network of collaborators, we bring to light the information we have stored in the drawers of entomological collections, from genetics to distributional patterns and ecological aspects.

Established in 1822 by a group of entomology enthusiasts in Frankfurt, our section has a rich history that spans over two centuries.

Originally founded under the chairmanship of the esteemed Carl von Heyden, the collections were diligently maintained by dedicated volunteers until 1919. One notable contributor was Lucas von Heyden (1793-1866), whose passion for Hessian beetle faunistics left an indelible mark on our collections.

In 1919, a significant milestone was reached with the creation of the first hired part-time position as curator. This role was bestowed upon the world-renowned lepidopterologist, Adalbert Seitz (1869-1938), whose contributions significantly advanced our understanding of butterflies and moths.

Following Seitz’s passing, Dr. Elli Franz (1896-1983) assumed the position of the section’s first full-time curator in 1938. Her dedication and expertise propelled the field of entomology forward during her tenure. Upon her retirement, the Section of Entomology underwent a reorganization, resulting in the establishment of four independent sections.

In 1967, Section Entomology I emerged, under the leadership of Dr. Richard zur Strassen (1926-2013). Dr. zur Strassen’s impactful contributions and research in the field are deeply ingrained in our section’s legacy. In 1992, Dr. Damir Kovac took the helm, continuing the tradition of excellence and fostering new discoveries in the realm of entomology.

Starting in March 2023, our section is now under the curatorship of the Brazilian entomologist, Marianna Simões. With her expertise and passion for insects, Marianna brings a fresh perspective to our team, further enriching our research and collections.

To delve deeper into the captivating history of Section Entomology I, we invite you to explore the comprehensive surveys conducted by Dr. Elli Franz and Dr. Richard zur Strassen (below). Their works provide a captivating insight into the evolution of our section, its accomplishments, and its enduring dedication to advancing entomological knowledge.

Beetles are the most species-rich insect order and comprise ca. 400 000 described species. They are easily recognized by their stiffened forewings (elytra), which protect the delicate underlying hindwings from mechanical damage.

Among the taxonomic focuses of the Senckenberg collection are long-horned beetles or Cerambycidae (collections of Elli Franz, Bernhard Schwarzer and others), whirligig beetles or Gyrinidae (collection of Georg Ochs), false click beetles or Eucnemidae (collection of Wilhelm Lucht), and weevils or Curculionidae (collection of Bronislaw Folwaczny and others). Other collections have a geographical focus, for example, Palaearctic beetles (collection of the chemist and Nobel laureate Carl Bosch), beetles from Nepal (collection of Jochen Martens) or beetles from the Cap Verde Islands (collection of Michael Geisthardt). Furthermore, there is a separate collection of beetles from the state of Hesse (Hesse/ Central Europe collection). This local reference collection was built up and is maintained by the members of the Hessian Coleopterologists. It includes collections of the late Hermann Vogt, Wilhelm Lucht, Dieter Liebegott and others. The world-wide beetle collection of Entomology I comprises about 1.7 million pinned specimens, including 6542 holo-, lecto- and paratypes.

Thrips comprise about 5300 minuscule species rarely exceeding 2 mm. Members of this order are recognized by a fringe of hairs on their wings. Thrips feed on fungi, higher plants, spores, pollen or insects. They can cause considerable economic damage by sucking on crops and ornamental plants, forming galls or transmitting plant diseases.

In the course of his 40 years of research on Thysanoptera, Richard zur Strassen accumulated a very comprehensive collection, one of the three most important in the world. The Thysanoptera collection was substantially enlarged by the acquisition of collections of Heinrich Karny (1886-1939), Hermann Priesner (1891-1974) and Erich Titschak (1893-1978). The Thysanoptera collection of Entomology I comprises about 270,000 specimens mounted on slides or kept in alcohol. It includes 3600 species of which 2120 are represented by holo-, lecto-, or paratypes.

Twisted-Wing Parasites form a small insect order of about 530 described species worldwide. Males can be recognized by their hindwings that can be folded like a fan and by reduced forewings. The females remain larva-like throughout their lives and develop as parasites within the abdomens of other insects such as bees and grasshoppers.
Strepsiptera kept in Entomology I stem basically from the important collection of Dr. Ragnar Kinzelbach. The collection contains 1189 specimens mounted on slides. Altogether, there are 77 species of which 40 are represented by holo- or paratypes.

An overview of the collections kept in Entomology I is given by Elli Franz (Senck. biol., Sonderheft B, 48: 55-72, 1967) and Richard zur Strassen (175 Jahre Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellschaft, Jubiläumsband 2, Sektion Entomologie I, 87-95, 1994).