Objective Migration involves the seasonal movement of large numbers of animals, usually due to shifts in resource availability. Migrants connect habitats and populations, and have significant effects on ecosystem processes. Insects are the most diverse and abundant group of terrestrial migrants, but in comparison to vertebrates, insect migration is poorly studied. In particular, we have little knowledge regarding the migratory pathways of insects, and their flight behaviour and orientation in relation to topographic barriers. Using a combination of state-of-the-art techniques, individual tracking and vertically-looking radar, I aim to identify migratory routes of insects in Europe, and investigate migratory behaviour in relation to topography. This action will be the first to track migrating insects in Europe using individual-based tracking. This unique combination of methods will provide insight into the migratory behaviour of insects at landscape and local scale and provide us with an unprecedented level of information regarding the mechanisms underlying insect migration. The objectives of the work packages in this project are:WP 1: To investigate the influence of radio-transmitters on the flight behaviour of hawk moths in the laboratory. To investigate space-use and flight behaviour of hawk moths in the field. WP2: To elucidate migratory pathways of insects across Europe using individual tracking, and to understand migratory flight and orientation behaviour in relation to topography along these routes. We will also investigate which factors influence individual departure decisions and stopovers en route. WP 3: To investigate flight behaviour and orientation of hawk hawk moths in relation to weather and topography using vertically-looking radar, at key migration bottlenecks, high altitude passes in the southern Alps. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesplanetary geologyengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technologyradarnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsnatural sciencesbiological scienceszoologyentomologysocial sciencessociologydemographyhuman migrations Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2017 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2017 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV Net EU contribution € 159 460,80 Address HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8 80539 Munchen Germany See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 159 460,80
