M. S. Mani

Mahadeva Subramania Mani

Born March 2, 1908 in Tanjore, Tamilnadu died January 8, 2003 in Bangalore.

Indian Entomologist especially famous for his studies on high altitude entomology.

In 1933 he became part time tutor in physics at Bangabasi College, Calcutta and during this period collaborated with Sir C. V. Raman on insect coloration. Later he joined the Zoological Survey of India after spending some time at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Delhi. He joined the faculty of St. John's College, Agra in 1945 where he founded the School of Entomology in 1950. From here he made many scientific expeditions to the Himalaya resulting in pioneering contributions to High Altitude Entomology. He later made studies in the Pamir and Caucasus ranges leading to his work on Biogeography in India. The University of Agra awarded him a DSc degree in 1947, for his thesis submitted in 12 volumes.

In 1956, he joined the ZSI as Deputy Director.