The stag beetle search in winter….
The author is currently studying the stag beetle population in Bavaria for their bachelor's thesis and is excited to see the results of the collected data. They mention that they are taking care of a nest of a special stag beetle pair through a video link. In Rhineland-Palatinate, they have analyzed data since 2000 and are in contact with a European team to contribute to the overview of distribution data in Europe. They mention that winter is the time for evaluation and preparation, as the stag beetles are resting underground. The author expresses appreciation for the contributions of two volunteers [...]
The praying mantis Mantis religiosa is now well observed…
In meadows, along forest edges, and even in settlements, this imposing, voracious insect can be observed. An immigrant that can already be found in many federal states. Our volunteer Thomas Pottier produced this great shot in 2020. Next week we will be on the lookout again specifically.
Now it’s time for the final phase
The number of dead male stag beetles in our reports is increasing, no longer predominantly eaten beetles, but more and more also exhausted, externally intact beetles. Females are now predominantly observed continuously. Both are signs of an approaching end to the great, conspicuous above-ground period. We present statistics here in mid-July. To start with, it has been a good stag beetle year. They seem to be benefiting somewhat at the moment due to the fact that many trees are dying and are increasing in individuals, so are more conspicuous. Of course, there are two sides to this coin, but the [...]
A few more days of high season …….
Now it is time to enjoy the great flights of the stag beetles. In a few days, the flight activity in some regions should already be decreasing.
Stag beetles get married in summer weather….
Flights, weddings and robbers disturbing the social gatherings. Such reports have reached us in the last few days. It's stag beetle season, we should all enjoy it.