BUGSI

In the BUGSI project, we are developing a novel, lightweight and solar-powered insect monitoring device. It is intended to enable researchers to record insect activity precisely and in a resource-saving manner without disturbing them massively. The system reacts to movements and can therefore also reliably document very small and fast-moving species. It is supplemented by environmental sensors that provide data on temperature, light, wind and noise. This provides a comprehensive picture of when and under what conditions insects are active. BUGSI can be used flexibly: from monitoring pollinators to observing beetles or spiders. The aim is to gain a better understanding of ecological relationships and at the same time reduce the impact of traditional trapping methods.

BUGSI is first tested in the laboratory and then trialled in real environments. The system is also combined with traditional traps so that the results can be directly compared and validated. This combination creates a versatile monitoring tool that supports both research and nature conservation. In the long term, BUGSI will not only be used in scientific projects, but also in agriculture and biodiversity monitoring. In this way, the project contributes to a better understanding of the decline of insects and the development of effective protective measures. To make it easier to use, the structure, software and documentation will be made openly accessible so that other research groups or citizen scientists can also build and use their own devices.