Panel 3 - At the Edge of the Forest
The forest edge refers to the transition between forest and open spaces. Here, different zones meet, such as dense, protective woodlands and the nutrition and light areas of open landscapes – a very diverse habitat! Natural edge areas like slopes and margins offer important living spaces and meeting zones for countless species of animals and plants with their diverse structures, varying elevations, and open soils. These areas are also particularly vulnerable to disturbances from various human activities and must be actively protected and preserved!
In the Rhythm of Nature
Summer States
Bumblebees and some other wild bees live in small colonies (depending on the species, up to 600 individuals). The fertilized queen survives the winter in bumblebees - other wild bees mostly hibernate as eggs, larvae, or pupae.
THE SWIFT PREDATOR
Field Tiger Beetle
– Cicindela campestris –
- Features: 10 to 15 mm in size, flat body, usually metallic green in color, with light spots on the wing covers
- Habitat: sunny, dry slopes, on paths, at edges, open areas with sparse vegetation, from lowlands to mountains
- Behavior: Prey includes spiders and small insects. It escapes from danger at high speed or flies a few meters. The larvae live in self-dug tunnels up to 40 cm long.
- Observation tip: often found in surprisingly large numbers in open areas during warm months, quietly waiting for prey
- Observation time: April to September
FLIGHT ARTIST
Hoverfly
– Episyrphus balteatus –
- Features: approximately 10 mm in size, yellow abdomen with black markings, only one pair of wings, cannot sting (like all hoverflies)
- Habitat: native to almost all habitats, often found in meadows, at the edges of forests, and in gardens
- Behavior: Egg-laying occurs on various plants that are heavily infested with aphids. Aphids are used for nutrition during the 10-day larval stage, after which they pupate in a drop-shaped form on a leaf. After the hoverfly emerges, pollen and nectar serve as food – thus, it is considered one of the most important pollinators overall!
- Observation Tip: "hover" with up to 300 wingbeats per second in the air (similar to a hummingbird), capable of flying forwards and backwards, and can make a quick turn when threatened
- Observation Time: March to October
THE FIGHTER
Light Earth Bumblebee
– Bombus lucorum –
- Features: only about 30 mm large, head and proboscis remarkably short, basket collector, especially deep buzzing tone in queens
- Habitat: almost everywhere, from low valleys up to 2,000 m in height
- Way of life: Lives socially in summer colonies of 100 to 400 individuals. Underground passages of mice or other small mammals serve as nests – with which the queen sometimes fights for the nesting site and usually wins!
- Observation tip: undemanding in flower choice, often found on clover and betony, black nettles, willows, and fruit trees
- Observation time: March to August
THE AROMATIC
Common Juniper
– Juniperus communis –
- Characteristics: up to 3 m tall, grows as a shrub or small tree, evergreen, very sharp and aromatic-scented needles, seeds within fleshy cones, initially green berry, typically black-blue coloring after 2 years
- Habitat: Pine forests, grazing areas, rocky slopes and in the vegetation type dwarf shrub heath up to 2,300 m
- Use: The berries contain numerous essential oils. It has been used in medicine and as a spice (e.g. in sauerkraut) since antiquity, as well as for the production of juniper brandy (known as Kranewitter or gin). The slow-growing wood is valuable for turning and carving work.
- Observation tip: Identifiable by touching – the sharp needles leave no doubt!
Search Game Tiroler Kranewitter!
On this sign, we present the juniper (also called Kranewitter in Tyrol). In the immediate vicinity of this sign, there are juniper bushes in the forest – can you find them?
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