Fresh Pond Reservation Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project
Phase 2 Beetle Rearing

For the second phase of the Fresh Pond Reservation Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project, we are raising our own beetles for use in other areas of the Reservation.  In the future, this will limit the number we will have to buy. 

To rear our own beetles on the Reservation, we created our own beetle nurseries.  The nurseries consist of a potted purple loosestrife plant with a large mesh covering to keep the beetles in and predators out.  Each nursery creates a living space for about 10 adult beetles that will be released onto the plant during out Beetle Release Party in May of 2008. 

We made 10 nurseries in all, each one having the ability to produce many beetles.  The 10 released beetles in each nursery will feed on the loosestrife, then mate and lay their eggs.  When the new generation of beetles begins to emerge in their adult form, we will take the pots out to the wetlands, removed the nets, and let them disperse.