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Die Laubholz-Säbelschrecke (Barbitistes serricauda) has its global distribution focus in Germany. However, little is known about this insect species, as it lives hidden in tree canopies and its song is inaudible to the human ear, since it occurs in the ultrasonic range.
Within the federal program “Biological Diversity”, the project “ELSA – Development of Near-Natural Oak Forests for the Laubholz-Säbelschrecke and Other Endangered Insect Species” aims to gather further insights into the species’ way of life, while at the same time protecting these animals and their habitats. As part of this effort, both detection methods and potential habitats will be identified and assessed.
In North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, former spruce forests on selected woodland areas will be transformed into species-rich, thermophilous oak forests. These are primarily found on dry, rocky valley slopes, where well-developed shrub and herbaceous layers exist—structures currently believed to play a key role in the development of the Laubholz-Säbelschrecke nymphs.
Such habitats also provide suitable conditions for various endangered animal and plant species, including the Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix), Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius), Purple Hairstreak (Neozephyrus quercus), Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne), Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus), Great Capricorn Beetle (Cerambyx cerdo), and Wood Cricket (Nemobius sylvestris). In these near-natural forest landscapes, deadwood serves as a foundation for many insect populations as well as for woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting birds.
A key outcome of the project will be the development of a guideline for the protection of the Laubholz-Säbelschrecke.
The University of Trier is also supporting this program. As a first step, the known occurrences of the Laubholz-Säbelschrecke from the past decades are being reviewed. This involves close cooperation with forestry offices, nature conservation authorities, and private forest owners. The project is planned to run until 2027.
Protecting nature ensures a stable and secure living environment for both animals and humans alike. For this reason, the MuP-Group has committed itself to implementing construction measures in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Engineering for a better tomorrow!
