Dr. Nikola-Michael Prpic-Schäper

2000
Dipl.-Biol. Univ. (Zoology), LMU München

2004
Dr. rer. nat. (Genetics), Universität zu Köln

2005-2006
Postdoc, UCL (London, UK)

since 2007
Group leader
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

I am a phylogeneticist interested in metazoan phylogeny, focusing on the evolution and development of arthropods. Current projects include comparative embryology, genetics and cell biology in representatives of all four major arthropod classes (insects, myriapods, chelicerates and crustaceans). Research topics focus on major genetic signaling pathways involved in appendage development, body segmentation and dorsal-ventral axis specification. Additional interests include comparative aspects of nervous system development and mesoderm formation.

Detection of Dll mRNA in the developing legs of the spider Cupiennius salei.

I also am an entomologist and taxonomist working mainly on lepidopterans. Current work includes taxonomic and biogeographic studies in nymphalid butterflies and behavioral studies in hesperids. Further work concerns other insect orders including Ephemeroptera and Heteroptera with a focus on European species.



The Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta), a nymphalid butterfly species with an unclear eastern border of distribution and unclear overlap with the closely related species, the Indian Red Admiral (Vanessa indica).


I am a member of the Entomological Society of Munich (MEG) and of the German Zoological Society (DZG).