Daniela C. Rößler

Daniela C. Rößler is a behavioral and evolutionary ecologist leading an Emmy Noether Research Group at the University of Bonn’s Bonn Institute for Organismic Biology (Section II - Animal Diversity). She is also an affiliated scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz. Her work focuses on animal coloration, sensory ecology, and behavior, particularly in jumping spiders and amphibians like harlequin toads. Research priorities include anti-predator adaptations, sleep ecology in spiders (including the discovery of REM-like sleep states), and the evolution of multi-eyed visual systems.

Her research integrates field and lab experiments to explore questions rooted in natural observations. She collaborates globally and mentors interns and students, emphasizing interdisciplinary and equity-focused science. Recent work highlights the ongoing amphibian extinction crisis and the ecological significance of sleep in arthropods. Awards include the prestigious Emmy Noether grant supporting her independent research group.

Key areas of study include: predator-prey dynamics, sleep architecture in spiders, and the functional role of coloration in anti-predator strategies. Ongoing projects aim to establish sleep’s prevalence and ecological roles across spiders, while also addressing amphibian conservation challenges.