Wetzlar (dpa/lhe) - Whether stone bumblebee or Asian ladybug: The Nature Conservation Union (Nabu) Hessen is calling for the fifth time to count six-legged friends with the "Insect Summer" campaign. The nationwide campaign starts on Friday in the first phase, as the Nabu state association announced on Wednesday. Interested parties can then observe, count and then report insects within an hour.
It is important to limit the radius of observation to ten meters. A warm, dry and windless day is best for taking part in the campaign. The observations are then reported "via the online form or via the free web app NABU insect summer", as it was said. Observations are possible almost anywhere, for example in the garden, on the balcony, in the park or on a meadow.
Bumblebees are a particular focus of the observations this summer. Field bumblebees, stone bumblebees and ground bumblebees should be recognized by their respective stripe patterns. However, all observed six-legged friends can be counted.
"Studies show that insects are declining significantly in Germany. Intensive agriculture, the use of pesticides and the clearing of the landscape are just some of the reasons for the insect decline," said Gerhard Eppler, state chairman of Nabu Hessen. Insects are indispensable for humans and nature.
You can take part in the campaign until June 12th. From August 5th to 14th the census will enter a second phase.
