Gunnar Brehm

Dr. Gunnar Brehm is a biologist at the Phyletisches Museum in Jena, Germany, whose work focuses on butterfly biodiversity and the study of South American moths, particularly Geometridae (looper moths) and Arctiinae (tiger moths). Through his Insects & Light website, he shares research, photography, practical tools, and educational content about insects and the natural world.

His research explores where butterfly species occur and why, including the use of mountain elevation gradients as natural experiments. Brehm also presents LepiLED, a small, lightweight, robust, and efficient ultraviolet lamp designed to attract nocturnal insects. His photography covers butterflies, insects, South American landscapes, birds, the Falkland Islands, and Sylt, alongside videography. UV photography reveals features of the world that are invisible to people, while his illustrations use watercolour to depict butterflies and birds with an emphasis on essential details. The site also addresses invasion biology, including the effects of invasive plants on biodiversity and possible responses. Together, these offerings connect scientific research with visual storytelling and tools for observing wildlife.