Hymenoptera and Neuroptera
The sub-collection comprises around 2.3 million specimens of Hymenoptera and Neuroptera. It documents the diversity of these species-rich orders of insects and forms a key foundation for taxonomic and evolutionary research.
Overview
The sub-collection of Hymenoptera (membrane-winged insects) and Neuropterida (net-winged insects) is one of the museum’s most extensive insect collections. Both groups are among the most species-rich orders of insects and encompass a wide range of lifestyles – including pollinators, herbivores, parasitoids and predators.
The collection comprises around 2,277,880 specimens, predominantly pinned dried material. It covers approximately 235,000 species and contains around 11,400 type specimens. The collection is supplemented by various groups of objects:
- 238 nests
- 1,100 leaves with mines and galls
- 10,000 larvae
- 2,200 cocoons
- 28,000 microscopic specimens
- 125,000 objects preserved in alcohol
The sub-collection illustrates both morphological diversity and different life strategies, ranging from solitary species to social forms such as certain bees and ants.
Access
The sub-collection is available to researchers upon prior request. Please contact the relevant collection managers at hymenoptera.neuropterida@mfn.berlin.
Workstations are available on site. The associated specialist library also includes the historic Drory Library. Parts of the collection have been digitally catalogued. Since 2013, the museum has been systematically digitising insect boxes as part of projects to catalogue collections containing a large number of objects. High-resolution scans and selected 360° views of individual objects facilitate remote access to the holdings whilst preserving the originals.
Contact
Dr Bonnie Blaimer
Scientific Head of Collection (non-aculeate Hymenoptera & Formicidae)
Email: Bonnie.Blaimer@mfn.berlin
Telephone: +49 30 889140-8315
Prof. Dr Michael Ohl
Scientific Head of Collection (Neuropterida & aculeate Hymenoptera excluding Formicidae)
Email: michael.ohl@mfn.berlin
Telephone: +49 30 889140-8507
Stefanie Krause
Collection Management
Email: Stefanie.Krause@mfn.berlin
Telephone: +49 30 889140-8861
History
The collection is based on historical collections compiled by, amongst others, Johann Christoph Friedrich Klug (1775–1856), Arnold Förster (1810–1884), Karl Pfannkuch (1863–1943), Heinrich Stitz (1868–1945), Heinrich Friese (1860–1948), Bruno Conde (1920–2004), Hans Bischoff (1884–1961) and Werner Muche (1911–1987). These holdings have been brought together in a general collection.
A particular focus is on the bee collection of Heinrich Friese (1860–1948), which comprises species and specimens from all continents.
The sub-collection also contains extensive material from former German colonial territories. These collections were established within the context of colonial power relations and are now subject to critical scientific and historical analysis.
Since 1 January 1992, research expeditions, particularly to the Afrotropical region and South-East Asia, have been continuously expanding the collection.
Research
The sub-collection serves as a basis for taxonomic, systematic and evolutionary biological research. It enables the description of new species, the revision of existing taxa, and studies on biodiversity and biogeography.
A particular focus is on the comparative analysis of morphology and lifestyles within the Hymenoptera and Neuropterida.