Systematic and Forensics Entomology group

Our team of Systematic and Forensics Entomology focuses on the taxonomy, development, and ecology of insects, with in depth focus on forensically relevant groups including beetles and flies.

The scope of our research includes the systematics, phylogeny, and distribution of Silphinae and Cholevinae beetles using an integrative approach that combines classical morphological analysis with molecular data. Our team includes experts in molecular phylogenetics as well as morphology-based taxonomy and species identification, with experience in working with both fresh and museum material. Our research infrastructure includes access to a fully equipped laboratory of digital microscopy, as well as molecular laboratories suitable for work with both fresh and degraded DNA samples.

We produce detailed morphological descriptions of larval stages of Silphinae, Leiodidae, and Lampyridae – taxa often underrepresented in the literature, yet crucial for accurate species identification and conservation. In forensic entomology, we specialize in the developmental biology and thermal ecology of necrophagous insects including laboratory breeding in specialized climate chambers. We also focus on how photoperiod, food quality, and other biotic and abiotic factors influence development. In collaboration with international partners, we have developed a practical method to determine pupal age based on eye pigmentation, currently the most reliable technique of its kind.

We maintain a large database containing >30 thousand distribution records of carrion beetles (Silphinae and Cholevinae), mostly from central Europe, which presents a great potential for reconstruction of potential species distributions. We also maintain large database of developmental data for various species of insects including the species that are of interest for forensic entomology as well as economically important species for food and feed.

Beyond necrophagous insects, we are also actively engaged in research on fireflies, focusing on their urban ecology, behavior, morphology, taxonomy, and conservation in the context of habitat loss and light pollution. We lead citizen science firefly surveys that began in Prague and have since expanded nationwide. These surveys map species distribution while raising awareness about these nocturnal insects and the negative effects of light pollution. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we've developed a detailed map of firefly populations in Prague.

Our initiatives combine public engagement with ecological research and education, and we share our findings through both social and traditional media. We're now seeking partners to help us grow this data-driven, community-based model for monitoring biodiversity and advancing conservation efforts.

We would be interested to the following calls:

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-02: Strengthening the capacity of citizen science in biodiversity observation

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-03: Strengthening taxonomic approaches for biodiversity

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-04: Large-scale in situ biodiversity observations for better understanding of biodiversity state, drivers of its decline and impacts of policies More info on our group is on https://www.fzp.czu.cz/entomology