As an architect he was part of the Art Nouveau architectural movement known as the Liberty style, while as an entomologist, he was an important contributor to the global knowledge of the insect order Hymenoptera.
He described many new taxa, and his publications are characterised by an acute critical sense and a wealth of original observations as well as demonstrating his serious approach to preparation and his extensive knowledge.
He had a long and fruitful relationship with the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Genova and he was a prime actor in the creation of the Museum's Hymenoptera collection at the end of the 19th century, being involved in the extensive study of the specimens which he collected in Italy and overseas in the course of several expeditions.
After this period he was able to dedicate himself to his studies of Hymenoptera on a full-time basis, including the publication of a number of papers, as well as undertaking work to reorganise is very large collection of entomological specimens.
At the age of 74, in July 1920, he is recorded as taking part in an entomological trip to Piedmont's Susa valley which lasted two days.
In the early part of 1923 he developed a serious circulatory disorder which caused debilitating pain, but he recovered from this and returned to his work.