Dieter Mahsberg

Dr. Dieter Mahsberg is an Academic Director at the Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg. His research focuses on tropical arthropods (scorpions, millipedes) in West Africa, particularly in the Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast.

His academic journey includes promotions from

• Wissenschaftlicher Assistent (1972-1993)
• Akademischer Rat (1995-2011)
• Akademischer Direktor (since 2011)

. He studied biology and chemistry at Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg and earned his PhD in 1987 under Prof. K. Eduard Linsenmair.

Research interests center on ecology and behavior of tropical arthropods, chemical ecology, kairomones in millipedes, defensive secretions in assassin bugs, and urban biodiversity (e.g., Stadtgrün 2021). His work spans field studies in West Africa, anatomical analysis of scorpion trichobothria, and urban climate-adapted tree systems.

Key publications include books on scorpion behavior, chapters in biodiversity atlases, and ecological studies on urban insects. Collaborations with Prof. Thomas Schmitt (Zool. III), Dr. Christiane Bramer (Univ. Göttingen), and Prof. em. Klaus Peschke (Univ. Freiburg) are highlighted.

Scientific awards:

• Verdienstmedaille 'Bene merenti in Silber' (2019)
• Preis für gute Lehre (2019)

Teaching spans Zoology, Animal Ecology, and Tropical Biology in diploma, bachelor, master, and teacher training programs. He leads the Zoological Study Collection at Theodor-Boveri-Institute and contributes to urban biodiversity projects like TP5 of the Zentrum Stadtnatur und Kilimaanpassung.