Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera
My research program is centered on the basal groups of winged insects. It focuses on taxonomy and systematics of extant and fossil mayflies and stoneflies as well as other fossil groups of Palaeoptera. Comparative studies on the functional morphology of mayfly nymphs are closely linked to the question of their phylogenetic positions. Local faunistic studies contribute to a reference collection of water insects of the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg.
Phylogenetic affinities within mayflies are still controversially discussed and partially not clarified. Applying the methodology of phylogenetic systematics and cladistics, integrative studies of morphological and molecular characters in different taxa aim at an improved understanding of the phylogeny of mayflies.
Current studies with new species descriptions focus on the mayfly fauna of Iran based on recent field trips. Also currently investigated are Oriental species of the mayfly family Caenidae.
Stemgroup representatives of mayflies and stoneflies are already recorded from the Carboniferous, so a rich fossil record is available. These fossils can be very useful to obtain information on the evolution of their groups, along with changes in distribution and environment.
Current projects deal with the revision of mayflies in Dominican and Baltic amber, which reflects changes of their spatial distribution. Even older fossil mayflies and stoneflies from Cretaceous Burmese amber reveal new clues for the evolution of mayflies in general.
Anatomy and functional aspects in nymphal and adult mayflies are investigated by using micro-tomography as well as electromicroscopical and histological methods. These studies may yield new insights into the life habits, functional morphology and systematics of mayflies.
Investigation of important steps in the evolution of early winged insects, most notably the terrestrialisation of insects, evolution of insect flight, and the basal splittings of Pterygota.
Current projects deal with the Triassic Palaeoptera fauna of Grès à Voltzia based on investigations of the collection Grauvogel-Stamm at SMNS, and the Permian insect fauna of Onder Karroo, South Africa.
Faunistic studies of freshwater streams in Baden-Württemberg provide new information on distribution and endangerment of aquatics insects. Along with these studies, a reference collection of local water insects is established at SMNS.
