40 years - 40 natural reserves – Roudebierg
East of Dudelange is the Roudebierg, a long south-facing slope, most of which once belonged to the mining and steel giant Arbed.
The nature reserve of Roudebierg is located in the former mining site of Minettes, in the south-east of the commune of Dudelange and belongs to the Natura 2000 network. It is essentially composed of dry grasslands, developing on a silty and calcareous soil. The soil is poor in mineral nutrients, shallow and does not retain water, thus perfect for the development of dry grasslands. In summer, these lawns undergo a more or less intense drought which allows the appearance of rare plant species, typical of these environments. The praying mantis is a species of the Mantidae family, from 6 to 8cm long. You will recognize it by its large triangular and protruding eyes, its front legs, the "raptors" in the shape of a folded hook and equipped with spikes, as well as its long, graceful green body. It lives 6 to 9 months, during which it feeds on other insects, such as locusts, grasshoppers or bugs, and reproduces, laying 200 to 300 eggs after mating.
Text: Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur
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