Wenig hilft viel – Insektenschutzstreifen beherbergen im Winter deutlich mehr Arthropoden als gemähte Flächen

A little helps a lot – insect protection strips harbor significantly more arthropods in winter than mown areas // In conservation-oriented mowing, so-called „insect protection strips“ are often left standing during one or more mowing passes. These strips serve as refuge and feeding areas for fauna. The present study exemplifies, based on an examined meadow, that leaving old grass strips untouched over the winter – by omitting the final mowing in September – significantly increases arthropod abundance during the winter months. Sweep net sampling revealed significantly higher numbers of individuals and species on the insect protection strips compared to the mown areas. As a result, insect-eating animals such as birds have a considerably better food supply in winter.