The Michael von Tschirnhaus Insect Collection
URL: https://sdei.senckenberg.de/tschirnhaus-collection/
The database provides important, previously unpublished information about material in the 'Michael von Tschirnhaus' Collection. The samples / specimens, which are still being added to, were obtained in all continents from 1966 onwards. They are usually preserved in alcohol and are currently kept in the 'Biological Collection' of the Department of Biology at the University of Bielefeld (Germany). The collection was assembled for teaching and research purposes by Dr. Michael von Tschirnhaus (1982–2004) together with his technical assistant Silvia Verwiebe. All collection data for invertebrates were recorded in a database (4D = 4th dimension). Each specimen and each sample was assigned a unique code relating to data in the 4D database. Our online database incorporates these codes and the associated data in full. Thus is not only access to the often unidentified material made possible, but also to the approximately 9,080 determined invertebrate species in the Bielefeld collection (excluding fossils). The Biological Collection of the Department of Biology at the University of Bielefeld is currently managed by Dr. Manfred Kraemer and Silvia Verwiebe. Most of the material was collected on various trips and expeditions by Michael von Tschirnhaus himself. Many other samples were given to him by colleagues for storage and processing. All collection details were meticulously recorded in four notebooks and numerous index cards. In addition to the localities, dates of collection and collection methods, information is included about the biotopes / habitats, phenology and colour preferences, precise time of capture during the day, special aspects of climatic conditions, as well as the number of captured specimens (determined to family level). Collecting activity was concentrated on the insects (Insecta), and above all on Diptera and Hymenoptera. However, the extensive residual samples, still awaiting scientific study, surely contain many undetected treasures belonging to other orders.
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Additional Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Data last updated | unknown |
| Metadata last updated | April 28, 2026 |
| Created | unknown |
| Format | database |
| License | Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 |
| Created | 3 days ago |
| Id | f33f41fe-93f4-47ef-b525-5fa161ffdb2b |
| Package id | 73483775-1a90-44b5-b417-a4c95f8e60e5 |
| Restricted level | public |
| State | active |