The first batch of caterpillar hunters (Calosoma beetles) were released in the Lapta and Çatalköy-Karaağaç regions within the scope of the integrated control program against the pine processionary caterpillars, which have caused great damage to pine trees this year.
It was stated that releasing the Calosoma beetles, which feed on 2-3 pine processionary caterpillars every day, kill and leave 4-5 additional insects, is the first step of the integrated struggle.
It was noted that the other two steps of the integrated struggle would be to provide shelter for birds that feed on the pine processionary caterpillars and to reproduce flies that cause the pine processionary caterpillars to die.
Calosoma beetles will be reproduced at the Taskent Nature Park and left in areas where pine processionary caterpillars are mostly damaged.
