Recolonization protection for nesting aids of cavity-nesting insects

Abstract

Nesting aids for cavity-nesting insects, characterized in that translucent layers are used between the boards containing the nesting tubes to prevent colonization by the insects for which these nesting aids are intended. (Figure 1)

Description

[0001] The invention serves to prevent the colonization of a nesting aid for cavity-nesting insects, specifically but not exclusively for wild bees and solitary wasp species.

[0002] When monitoring wild bee populations, nesting aids with tubular tunnels are used. These are colonized by the species found in the area, and the colonization of the monitoring nesting aids allows conclusions to be drawn about the range and abundance of species in the study area. A problem that has so far only been partially solved is that the nesting aids should be occupied in the first year at the site, but in the second year, after the insects have hatched and emerged, they should remain as unoccupied as possible. This is necessary so that, after the insects have emerged, the remains (both of the inhabitants and the pollen they brought in) can be collected for DNA analysis and the nesting aid can be cleaned without destroying newly constructed brood cells or cocoons.

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to make it possible to keep the nesting aid free of colonization at the site in its second year.

[0004] In the current state of the art, for example, the Thünen Institute for Biodiversity Research uses nesting aids in the MonViA project (Monitoring Biodiversity in Agricultural Areas) that consist of individual boards with tubular cutouts. These boards are stacked and compressed into blocks. The blocks are then placed on posts in the agricultural landscape. To prevent re-colonization in the second year, so-called "flight backpacks" are used. These backpacks are made of fabric and have an exit opening at the bottom, which is closed with a row of flexible bristles. These bristles are intended to allow birds to fly out while simultaneously preventing them from flying back in and thus re-colonizing the nesting aid. According to evaluations by the Thünen Institute for Biodiversity Research, this device has not been able to completely prevent re-colonization.

[0005] The state of the art consists of mechanical methods to prevent the colonization of nesting aids (e.g., the MonViA excursion backpack). This utility model uses a novel light-based optical method to prevent colonization.

[0006] The recolonization protection described in this utility model is based on the observation that wild bees prefer dark tubes for their nests and avoid bright or illuminated tubes.

[0007] Light inside a nesting tube deters bees from using it for brood rearing. The brood cells in the nesting tubes are individually sealed by wild bees with clay, soil, resin, and other materials. To protect the cocoons until hatching, the nesting tube must remain closed lengthwise, and therefore the individual boards must not be left open.

[0008] To allow light into the nesting tubes while keeping them closed, this utility model incorporates translucent intermediate layers between the individual nesting boards. These layers can be made of various materials, such as glass, plexiglass, or other translucent plastics. A thickness of 4 mm is recommended for the intermediate layers, but thicker or thinner layers can also be used, depending on the available or generated light at the location of the nesting aid.

[0009] The translucent intermediate layers allow ambient light to enter the nesting tubes at the location of the nesting aids, thus preventing them from being used by insects for nesting. Fig. 1)

[0010] To increase the light intensity in the nesting tubes, artificial light can be introduced into the intermediate layers. For example, this can be done with individual light sources (e.g., individual LEDs or light strips / LED strips) at the level of the intermediate layers on the sides or back of the nesting aid, or with a light panel that covers the entire height of the nesting aid with the intermediate layers, either on the side or on the back of the nesting aid. Fig. 2)

[0011] These intermediate layers are not placed in the nesting box during the year of desired occupancy. Once occupancy is complete, the intermediate layers can then be placed in the block and compacted. This allows hatching in the following season but prevents re-occupancy.

[0012] An embodiment of the invention is described by reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 explained. It shows: Fig. 1. The nesting aid with translucent intermediate layers, Fig. 2. The nesting aid with translucent intermediate layers and artificial light sources to enhance the effect

Claims

[1] Nesting aids for cavity-nesting insects, characterized by , that translucent layers are used between the boards with the nesting tubes to prevent colonization by the insects for which these nesting aids are intended. Fig. 1) [2] The use of artificial light sources, in combination with the translucent layers mentioned in claim 1, to enhance the colonization-preventing effect. Fig. 2)

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