Mgr. Petr Šípek, Ph.D.

Specialization: entomology with an emphasis on phytophagous scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), insect ecology, the influence of landscape management on the diversity and abundance of insect populations.

Research focus: As part of my work, I deal with the taxonomy, ontogeny, ecology and phylogeny of selected groups of scarab beetles, especially the subfamily Cetoniinae. Within our research group, we strive for an integrative principle based on the study of various aspects of insect biology, including knowledge of in-situ ecology, the study of immature stages or the use of modern molecular methods for the study of taxonomy or evolution. We also research the influence of too intensive /machine mowing of meadows/ or, conversely, the disappearance of landscape management /overgrown edges of ponds/ on the diversity and abundance of insect communities.

Teaching: As part of my work at the faculty, I co-teach the following courses: Introduction to Entomology, Introduction to Insects, General Entomology, Biodiversity of Insects, System and Phylogeny of Insects I. I also participate in various field exercises and excursions, including Field Exercise in Zoology I and Interdisciplinary Excursion to the Biology of European Ecosystems.

Popularization: One of my main goals is to connect the world of humans and insects. In addition to numerous media outputs, I am the curator of the Great Exhibition of Invertebrates, the author of several chapters in the popularization publication Planeta Praha, and the editor of the Atlas of Insects: A Guide to Czech Nature.