Inhaltspezifische Aktionen

Forschung

Genetic Diversity and Phylogeography of Aquatic Insects 

  • Freshwater ecosystems are among the most diverse ecosystems worldwide and host a large share of global biodiversity. Within this context, our working group addresses fundamental questions related to intraspecific variation and population dynamics of freshwater insects, with a particular focus on caddisflies (Trichoptera). Through the application of modern, individual high-throughput DNA-based methods, we describe patterns of variation within and among populations and communities across river networks in mountain system across the globe (Himalayas, Andes, Alps).
    • Example project: Biogeography and phylogeography of aquatic insects in the Himalaya and adjacent mountains (DFG PA1617/2-1; DFG PA 1617/2-2)
    • Example publication: Gerwin et al. 2025: Diversity of Rhyacophila (Trichoptera, Rhyacophilidae) in the Hengduan Mountains. ZooKeys 1263: 69-88.
    • Example publication: Kuemmerlen et al. 2025: Spring-dwellers emerge as indicators of climate change vulnerability. ZooKeys 1263: 289-315.

 

Trichoptera Genomics 

  • Trichoptera are one of the most species-rich freshwater insect orders, exhibiting a suite of ecologically relevant key innovations and adaptive traits, including diverse silk use strategies. Using comparative genomics and transcriptomics, we investigate the evolution of genes encoding for silk phenotypes, focusing on gene family dynamics and sequence variation (repeat motifs in major silk genes). Other major research topics include transposable element dynamics and genome size evolution across the order and exploration of genome-wide adaptive signatures of gene families linked to habitat diversification, including aquatic–terrestrial habitat transitions, in the tube case making family Limnephilidae. Example for caddisfly silk use: Larvae of Philopotamus sp. (fingernet caddisflies) in their silken tubes
    • Example publication: Heckenhauer et al. 2023: Characterization of the primary structure of the major silk gene, h-fibroin, across caddisfly (Trichoptera) suborders. iScience 26(8): 107253.
    • Example publication: Frandsen et al. 2023: Uncovering hidden genetic diversity: allelic resolution of insect and spider silk genes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 120(18): e2221528120, doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2221528120

 

Taxonomy and Systematics of Caddisflies 

  • In our working group, we combine a variety of methods to identify and describe the enormous diversity of aquatic insects, especially caddisflies. We use morphology and molecular methods to accelerate and facilitate the process of identifying and differentiating units of biological diversity. We currently use individual-based high-throughput DNA sequencing methods for integrative taxonomy and innovative imaging technologies with potential for automation. We also use these and genomic data to study the evolution of traits and species relationships in caddisflies.
    • Example project: Integrative taxonomy and hyper spectral imaging of African caddisflies (DFG PA1617/4-1)
    • Example publication: Pauls et al. 2023: Gill Structure Linked to Ecological and Species Diversification in a Clade of Caddisflies. Arthropod Systematics and Phylogeny 81: 917-929. doi: 10.3897/asp.81.e110014

 

Insect Monitoring 

  • Insects of Forest Reserves in Hesse – In 1988 natural forest reserves, i.e. areas of forest designated for process protection, were designated in Hesse. Senckenberg conducted faunistic studies in these reserves since 1990, initially in the framework of an all taxa biodiversity inventory. This revealed that the fauna in Hesse's forests is 3-4 times more species-rich than had been assumed prior to the studies. Since 2024, our group has focussed on establishing annual time series data to document changes in these forest’s faunas. To this end we deploy ground and cross-window traps six beech-dominated natural forest reserves and comparable managed sites and monitor the insect communities.
    • Example publication: Schneider et al. 2021: Animal diversity in beech forests – an analysis of 30 years of intense faunistic research in Hessian strict forest reserves. Forest Ecology and Management 499: 119564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119564
  • Monitoring Insects with (e)DNA-Metabarcoding – In recent years we have tested and developed monitoring concepts that employ (e)DNA Metabarcoding to assess insect community changes in urban areas, forests and streams.
  • Population Genetic Monitoring of Selected Species - Working with genetic monitoring data collected across different spatial and temporal scales, we examine how ongoing environmental change influences genetic diversity and population structure of selected aquatic insect species. A focus of this work is a population genetic monitoring of mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies in the Bavarian Forest National Park.