ABOL at the ÖEG Insect Camp in the Nature Park Hohe Wand

For the fourth time (in a row), ABOL participated in the 11^th ÖEG Insect Camp from June 26^th to 29^th with a BioBlitz. This time, the trip took us to the Hohe Wand Nature Park in Lower Austria – a biogeographically highly interesting region on the northeastern edge of the Alps, where the Pannonian and Alpine climates converge, enabling a great diversity of species.

This year, around 50 participants were present – including numerous experts from a wide variety of animal groups, who recorded biodiversity at 25 sample plots. The numerous plots offered a broad spectrum: species-rich hay meadows, pine forests, caves, steep cliffs, scree slopes, dry grasslands, extensive sheep and cattle pastures, clear-cut successional vegetation, and even ibex, sika deer, and llama enclosures.

To mark the occasion, we once again presented our DNA reference database and invited all participants to collaborate.
Thanks to the almost perfect June weather, there was plenty of insect-related activity – only a thunderstorm on the day of our arrival put a damper on our plans. Early after breakfast, all the entomologists, armed with nets, exhausters, and leaf blowers, headed out into the field during the day. Those tireless ones who still had energy after dinner either met up in the research room for some social preparation and identification or went outside to set up the light traps. With a bit of luck, you might even be greeted by curious young foxes.

At the end of the day, thanks to the good weather, it was once again possible to hold a barbecue, where a few fireflies also joined us. A particular highlight for us were three relatively hard-to-find puff flies (Acroceridae), all of which were found on the same day.

Overall, it was once again a very productive insect camp, where we had the opportunity to exchange professional information in a relaxed atmosphere and bring the entomological community closer together. We would like to thank the coordinators Betty Glatzhofer and Samuel Messner and the team of the Hohe Wand Nature Park for the organization and are eagerly awaiting the results of the evaluation!

Impressios (Photos N. Fial):