Important steps in the ivy experiment and the forest caterpillar hunter-experiment, little progress in the predatory birds-experiment, still waiting for results on the experiment with parasitic flies/parasitic wasps
Lots of action and a major breakthrough in the breeding experiment with the Forest Caterpillar Hunter
A welcome visit from colleagues from the UK, and a joint search for the Forest Caterpillar Hunter
A quiet caterpillar season, an unexpected visit to Jersey and a sequel to the story of the forest caterpillar hunter
And what about the oak processionary caterpillar this year? That is currently the key question for many local governments.
Not just outside life is moving up a gear. The first forest caterpillar hunters are already active again in the labs of the Provincial Nature…
At the end of May, a group of forest caterpillar hunters (beetle) was moved from the lab to the outdoors. By placing the beetles together with some young oaks and oak processionary caterpillars in a closed, but water and wind-permeable tent, the researchers can determine if the beetles feed on the caterpillars in a more natural environment.
Eggs and adults of the forest caterpillar hunter imported from Turkey are currently being reared and cared for in labs in Antwerp and Limburg.
Our beetle team went to visit the local facilities of the General Directorate of Forestry in Izmir to learn more about how to breed the forest caterpillar hunter.