Andrei Lvovich Lobanov – founder of the web-site 'Beetles (Coleoptera) and Coleopterists'

The paper describes the contribution of the founder, Andrei Lvovich Lobanov, in the appearance and development of the web-site “Beetles (Coleoptera) and Coleopterists” on the base of the portal of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Science. The initial concept of this web-site, development and improvement of its structure, strategic policy of the site its appeal of the Editorial Board to the widest audience around the world are explicated, with accent on popularization of biological knowledge and education of young generation of researchers and amateurs with encourage of all people in development of the site. The explanation of reasons of popularity and recognition of the site is made. The application and wide usage of databases and database compilation for biological objects and their identification, upgrowth of data on systematics and faunа of Russia and adjacent territories (atlases of modern beetles of Russia and exotic beetles, as well as an atlas of extinct groups of beetles, essays on individual families, databases on various fields of knowledge and an extensive library of digitized publications) are noted. The elaboration of programs for multientry interactive keys to animals which could be usable in the Internet and other problems connected with work on preparation of different divisions of the site are shown. A short biographical essay of Andrei Lvovich is given with some explanation of his position in creation of the site. Some important information on general content, scientific and social aims and achievements of the site is given.