Markus Thamm

Dr. Markus Thamm serves as a Researcher and working group leader in the Department of Zoology II at the University of Würzburg's Biocenter. His research investigates the molecular and physiological mechanisms enabling behavioral plasticity in honeybee colonies, with particular emphasis on the aminergic system's role in thermoregulation and social organization.

Thamm's research program centers on Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology of social insects, employing an interdisciplinary methodology that integrates:

• Molecular biology techniques
• Neurochemical analysis
• Behavioral pharmacology
• Entomological field studies

His laboratory examines how honeybee colonies precisely regulate hive climate through heat production and cooling mechanisms, addressing fundamental questions about behavioral adaptation across diverse environmental conditions.

Analysis of Thamm's publication record reveals consistent focus on octopaminergic and serotonergic systems in hymenopteran species, with recent work demonstrating octopamine's critical role in honeybee thermogenesis and uncovering visual processing capabilities in bumblebees. His research bridges molecular mechanisms with colony-level behavioral outcomes.

As principal investigator of the Thamm lab, he supervises doctoral researchers including Delac, Saskia, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across institutions. His laboratory participates in projects examining neurohormonal stress responses in forest beetles as part of the LWF biodiversity initiative, demonstrating applied research extending beyond model hymenopteran systems.