1865-1937

American zoologist and a foremost authority on the ecology, behavior, and classification of ants and social insects. Wheeler's insect embryology work is considered classic, and he developed a comparative analysis approach for studying the sociology and psychology of insects. Well liked and respected as a learned biologist, researcher, theorist, and philosopher, Wheeler spent most of his career at Harvard University. His career there included positions as professor of entomology, Dean of the graduate school, and associate curator of insects at the Museum of Comparative Zoology.