As an entomologist Ochsenheimer was one of the most influential lepidopterists of the early 19th century. His work "Die Schmetterlinge von Europa" was later continued by Friedrich Treitschke and grew to ten volumes. Although not accompanied by figures or plates it contains a wealth of information on the biology and ecology of the species and it includes careful and detailed descriptions of new taxa, among them "Thymelicus lineola" (Hesperiidae), "Polyommatus eros", "Iolana iolas" (Lycaenidae), "Psilogaster loti" (Lasiocampidae), "Hyles zygophylli" (Sphingidae), "Phalera bucephaloides" (Notodontidae), "Hoplodrina superstes", "Polia serratilinea" (Noctuidae), "Pyropteron doryliformis", "Synanthedon cephiformis" (Sesiidae), "Pachythelia villosella" (Psychidae), "Zygaena hilaris", "Zygaena punctum", "Zygaena angelicae" (Zygaenidae) and others.