Forschung Entomologie

We are interested in faunistics of beetles (Coleoptera) and true bugs (Heteroptera) in Germany, and in particular the state of Lower Saxony, continuously contributing distribution data to online-catalogues (e.g. http://www.colkat.de/de/fhl/?w=1600&h=700). Questions addressed here are, among others, the impact of climate change and invasive species on insect biodiversity and its loss (insect decline). In a loosely organized group of expert and amateur entomologists, we actively collect data in the field and discuss relevant topics in monthly seminars.

In a long-term project together with the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) we study the biodiversity of beetles and true bugs in a nature protected area east of Hannover (NSG Hämelerwald und Sohrwiesen) over time. Within seven years, we already recorded over 1300 beetle species and close to 200 species of true bugs in an area of ca. 120 ha.

Supported by communal authorities (Fachbereich Umwelt und Stadtgrün), we monitor the development of insect biodiversity in a project (Insektenbündnis Hannover) in urban areas where wildflowers were sown in replacement of frequently mown lawns. The work is partially done by students as part of their Bachelor theses.

In a long-lasting project, we investigate the chemical neuroarchitecture of invertebrates as potential phylogenetic traits. In the last two decades, the use of molecular biological cues has led to major restructuring of phylogenetic trees, sometimes contradicting classical views based on morphology. Synaptic neurotransmitter equipment could provide additional independent information, here. Whereas vertebrates use acetylcholine (ACh) as the excitatory neuromuscular transmitter, insects and crustaceans use glutamate instead, with ACh as the transmitter of sensory neurons. In addition, several arthropods have GABAergic inhibitory motor neurons. We analyze a broad variety of arthropod and non-arthropod taxa in order to gain information about their motor and also sensory transmitters. We could show that the phylum Onychophora, at the base of the arthropod clade, uses both ACh and Glutamate as neuromuscular transmitters, and that centipedes have GABAergic sensory neurons.