Definition
Erich Martin Hering (29 July 1893 – 9 February 1967) was a German entomologist renowned for his extensive research on leaf‑mining insects, particularly within the orders Diptera and Lepidoptera.
Overview
Born in Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland), Hering pursued natural sciences at the University of Berlin, receiving his doctorate in 1919. He subsequently joined the entomology department of the Staatliches Museum für Tierkunde in Dresden, where he worked for most of his professional career. Hering authored numerous monographs and papers describing the taxonomy, biology, and ecology of leaf miners, including several key works on the families Agromyzidae (leaf‑mining flies) and Gracillariidae (leaf‑mining moths). His systematic revisions and identification keys remain reference points for researchers in agricultural entomology and biodiversity studies. Hering also served as editor for the journal Zeitschrift für Angewandte Entomologie and contributed to the development of natural history collections in East Germany during the mid‑20th century. He retired in 1958 but continued to publish until his death in Dresden.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Erich” is a Germanic given name derived from Old High German Heimirich, meaning “ruler of the household.” “Martin” is a common German middle name of Latin origin, meaning “of Mars,” the Roman god of war. “Hering” is a German surname that historically referred to a fisherman or someone who dealt with herring (the fish), derived from the Middle High German word hēring.
Characteristics
- Research focus: Taxonomy and life history of leaf‑mining insects; morphological studies of larval and adult stages.
- Key contributions:
- Comprehensive revisions of Agromyzidae systematics, introducing numerous new species and genera.
- Development of identification manuals for leaf miners affecting agricultural crops.
- Promotion of entomological collection standards in German museums.
- Publications: Over 150 scientific papers and several monographs, including *Die Blattminen der Pflanzengattung Prunus (1938) and Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Agromyziden (1945‑1952).
- Legacy: His taxonomic descriptions are cited in contemporary entomological databases; several species bear the epithet heringi in his honor.
Related Topics
- Leaf mining (entomology)
- Agromyzidae (leaf‑mining flies)
- Gracillariidae (leaf‑mining moths)
- German entomology in the 20th century
- Natural history museums of Dresden
- Agricultural pest management.