Vasily Yakovlev (zoologist)

Vasily Evgrafovich Yakovlev (1839 - 1908) was a Russian zoologist, entomologist, and physician. He is primarily known for his extensive work on the insect fauna of Russia, particularly Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps, sawflies).

Yakovlev graduated from the Medical-Surgical Academy in St. Petersburg. He practiced medicine for a time, but his passion lay in entomology. He extensively collected and studied insects from various regions of Russia, including the Volga region and Central Asia.

His primary contribution was the description of numerous new species and genera of Hymenoptera. He published extensively in scientific journals, contributing significantly to the understanding of the diversity and distribution of insects in the Russian Empire. His collections form a valuable resource for taxonomic research and are housed in several Russian museums.

While less known for his medical work, his training in medicine undoubtedly informed his scientific rigor and observational skills in his entomological research. His dedication to the study of insects established him as a significant figure in Russian zoology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.