The Bavarian Forest and Šumava national parks in Czechia plan to conduct a repeated study this summer to find out the habitats and numbers of beetle species under threat of extinction. Particular attention is paid to the species Peltis grossa — one of 16 species of beetles that serve as indicators of primeval forests recorded in the region.
These insects directly depend on natural habitat conditions. Before this representative of the bark-gnawing beetle family reappeared about six years ago, it had been considered an extinct species for more than a century.
Research with the participation of nature lovers
The goal of the project, implemented jointly with volunteers, is to obtain data for comparison with the previous study six years ago and to document the process of the spread of Peltis grossa.
According to the report of the national park administration, in the period from mid-May to the end of August, 54 different forest areas will be surveyed in Bavaria, and 50 in Czechia. Along with Peltis grossa, the populations of the species Peltis ferruginea and Thymalus limbatus are subject to study. Those wishing to join the search as volunteers can apply directly to the administration of the Bavarian Forest National Park in Grafenau.
The beetle is easily recognizable even for non-professionals
Even non-professionals, after a short briefing by employees, can unmistakably recognize this beetle. This was reported by Jörg Müller, head of the nature conservation and research department in the Bavarian Forest National Park. At night, Peltis grossa is easier to find because, like many of its relatives, it leads a secretive lifestyle during the day, and at night it leaves its shelter and shows activity.
Peltis grossa was long considered vanished in the Bavarian Forest because, due to the intensification of forestry, dead wood, which constitutes its habitat, was absent in the forests. Thanks to the fact that the spruce bark beetle since the 1990s has contributed to the appearance of a large amount of standing dead wood and logs, this rare beetle was able to settle in the region again.
Dead wood as a condition for the life of a rare insect
Jörg Müller expressed joy regarding the upcoming search for Peltis grossa. For us, it is an extremely important indicator that the national park is on the right track, Müller explained in an interview. According to him, the park was created to form a landscape as close as possible to a natural one that visitors could also see: With an abundance of dead wood, complex structure, and dynamics.Opinions at the sight of a large number of fallen and dried trees may differ, Müller noted. For some people, this sight seems depressing. However, for Peltis grossa, the presence of dead wood in the Bavarian Forest National Park is a key advantage for survival.
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