From 2 to 16 February, fieldwork within the projects of the B-Cluster was carried out in the southern Angolan Namib. The trip was initiated to complement already existing data sets of projects B02 and B06, which were previously obtained in Namibia.

The main focus was to analyse the genetic patterns of Brinckia (Tenebrionidae) and Zygophyllum stapfi in this northernmost Namib region. In addition, we collected a number of endemic darkling beetles and silverfish in this hitherto poorly studied Angolan desert, which will expand our knowledge of the distribution and diversification of desert insects in general.

Our excursion ended successfully with valuable samples for our projects, including days full of adventure and experiences.

The team, somewhere in Angola. Left to right: Reinhard Predel, Rosa-Stella Mbulu, Vollrat von Krosigk, Alvaro Zúñiga-Reinoso, and John Irish Photo: Vollrat von Krosigk

For our achievements. Photo: Rosa Mbulu

Collecting beetles carcasses under a car carcass. Photo: Alvaro Zúñiga

Better than five stars hotel. Photo: Alvaro Zúñiga

Siesta time. Photo: Alvaro Zúñiga

The enigmatic Stylifera. Photo: Alvaro Zúñiga

The common Zygophyllum stapfi. Photo: Rosa Mbulu

The elusive Brinckia. Photo: Reinhard Predel