Press release

A new study from the University of Würzburg shows that a varied forest structure influences spider diversity. Creating forest clearings can, in some cases, significantly reduce this diversity.

Leaf-cutter ants are considered a problem by cacao farmers in Peru. However, the damage they cause can be limited. This is shown by a new study from the University of Würzburg.

Drought significantly reduces the reproductive success of bumblebee colonies. This is shown by a new study conducted by a research team at the University of Würzburg. This also has consequences for plant pollination.

A large-scale experiment shows that warmth brings bees and wasps out of hibernation earlier – leaving some of them with poorer starting conditions. This is particularly true for species in cooler regions that emerge during spring.

Rising temperatures are threatening dung beetle populations in the Amazon. The example shows a trend that could bring many insect species there to their heat threshold. Researchers from Würzburg and Bremen conducted the study.

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have identified a considerable number of wild bee species on the Hubland Campus. Some of the university's measures provide suitable habitats and thus promote biodiversity.

Villages can provide important habitats for insects. A new study by the University of Würzburg shows which areas in rural settlements are particularly rich in species – and where there is still room for improvement.

Up to half of the insects in the Amazon region could be exposed to life-threatening heat levels due to progressive, anthropogenic global warming. This is shown by a recent study by the universities of Würzburg and Bremen.

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have shown that dung beetles suffer in canopy openings that have been deliberately created to promote biodiversity. Rising temperatures are significantly exacerbating the problem.

The Universities of Würzburg and Bergen have launched a new degree program. Students of the new Master of Global Change Ecology can look forward to two degrees and several semesters abroad.

When ant pupae are infected by pathogens, they change their body odour. In this way, they warn the colony of the risk of infection - and thus seal their death.

Late summer in Lower Franconia: there are hardly any flowering plants left, and food for honey bees is becoming scarce. Researchers at the Biocenter have investigated how bees cope with this situation.

Carpenter ants are not squeamish when it comes to caring for the wounded. To minimise the risk of infection, the insects immediately amputate injured legs – thereby more than doubling their survival rate.

Walks around the Würzburg Hubland campus with University Chancellor Uwe Klug, with the "Living Campus" initiative or with students in the campus garden: A total of 20 new short films deal with sustainability at the university.

Improving biodiversity and maintaining yields at the same time? For many, this sounds like a contradiction in terms. However, a new study by the University of Würzburg shows that both are possible under the right conditions.