Walter Forster (entomologist)

Walter Forster (14 March 1910 – 1 February 1986) was a German entomologist specializing in Lepidoptera, particularly butterflies and moths. He was a curator at the Zoologische Staatssammlung München (Zoological State Collection Munich) for many years.

Forster is known for his extensive taxonomic work, describing numerous new species and subspecies of butterflies and moths from around the world, but with a particular focus on South America. He authored or co-authored many scientific publications, including revisions of various butterfly genera and species groups.

His collections are an important part of the holdings of the Zoologische Staatssammlung München and continue to be studied by researchers today. His contributions significantly advanced our understanding of Lepidoptera biodiversity and taxonomy. He worked extensively on the Bombycidae and Saturniidae moth families.