The origin of biodiversity is at the center of my scientific interest. How has biodiversity evolved over the phylogenetic history of certain groups of organisms? Which characteristics of the habitats or traits of the organisms have favoured diversification, and which factors have constrained the rise of diversity? What role do interactions of organisms with each other play during radiations?

In my research, butterflies and moths serve as most important focus group besides ants. On the one hand, complex relationships of Lepidopterans with plants (herbivorous larvae, nectarivorous adults) are a prime example of co-evolution. On the other hand, butterflies show many adaptations to reduce their mortality risks through predators such as birds, ants or bats. Moreover, Lepidopteran phylogeny and taxonomy and the habitat requirements of many species are sufficiently well known to allow these traits to be integrated into analyses of community phylogeny or functional diversity.