Mary Esther Murtfeldt

Mary Esther Murtfeldt (August 6, 1839, New York City – February 23, 1913, Kirkwood) was an American entomologist, botanist, botanical collector, writer and editor. She undertook research on the life histories of insects, describing several species new to science and wrote extensively on entomology. Murtfeldt created a collection of plant specimens that contributed to the scientific knowledge on the plants of Missouri.

Life Murtfeldt was born in New York City on August 6, 1839 to Esther and Charles W. Murtfeldt. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois but lived most of her adult life with her family in Kirkwood, Missouri. She was partially paralysed by polio in her youth and as a result her ability to walk was restricted. This interest was encouraged by the then Missouri state entomologist Charles Valentine Riley who lived with the Murtfeldt family around 1870. She served in that position from 1880—1893. These specimens assisted Samuel Mills Tracy when writing his Flora of Missouri.

Murtfeldt died at her home in Kirkwood on February 23, 1913.

Several species have been named in her honor, including Andricus murtfeldtae and Caloptilia murtfeldtella.

Works 'New species of Tineidae', Canadian Entomologist 13 (1881). pp. 242–246. Outlines of entomology, 1891 'Report on Present Status of American Women in Entomology', Proceedings of the National Science Club, 3 (April 1897), pp. 11–14 Stories of insect life : second series, summer and autumn, 1900