How to protect the hidden diversity in grass shoots? Stop mowing!

In every blade of grass, there is a treasure trove of biodiversity: tiny wasps, midges, flies, beetles and other insects. Researchers at our Uni and #HUN-REN measured, investigated and searched for insects in over 23,000 shoots of grass. They found 255 species in year-round grass species, but not one in the short-lived, annual grass species.

Their conclusion is that grassland should not be mown for several years: stable insect populations need undisturbed refuges with intact shoots of grass to live: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3240.html?id=8089

Research in #BasicandAppliedEcology: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2026.01.004

#InsectLife #AgriculturalEcology #Biodiversity

“A bee gathering on purple coneflower” Prints, Products, and Gifts from Douglas E. Welch Design and Photography

http://DouglasEWelch.com/shop/49

http://welchwrite.com/blog/2025/11/23/a-bee-gathering-on-purple-coneflower-prints-products-and-gifts-from-douglas-e-welch-design-and-photography/

Capture the buzz of a summer garden with this charming macro photograph. The image centers on a vibrant Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), its soft lavender-pink petals drooping gracefully around the spiky, rusty-orange cone.

The real stars of the show are the two visitors sharing a moment: a fuzzy honeybee resting on the petals and a tiny hoverfly perched right next to it on the cone.

#outdoors #nature #plant #naturephotography #flowers #insect #bee #PurpleConeflower #Echinacea #Honeybee #PollinatorGarden #MacroPhotography #SummerGarden #InsectLife #FloralPhotography #PinkAndOrange #NatureLovers #SaveTheBees