Flies on the Attack

If you are in Wellesley, MA tomorrow, keep your eyes peeled for swarms of tiny but powerful (and beneficial!) flies. A team of researchers at UMass Amherst, led by Joe Elkinton, is set to release 1,000 parasitic flies (Cyzenis albicans) in Wellesley in an effort to combat the winter moth caterpillars (Operophtera brumata) currently defoliating deciduous trees across the eastern part of the state. Read more in this story from The Boston Globe.

Update 5/12/08:WBZ Radio 1030 put up this YouTube video report by Carl Stevens, showing the actual release.