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This slope of the Neris is included in the European List of Important Habitats. According to Rokas Butkus, an ecologist at Verkiai Regional Park, in-depth research has been carried out in recent years to find out if there is still a viable population of brown beetles in the area.
The results did not work out well. No individuals of this species were found. Only ancient data testify to the representatives of this species that once lived in the Verkiai Park. The dark-colored golden beetles under the care of the Kaunas Zoo successfully mated, the females laid eggs, and the larvae successfully hatched over the winter.
To ensure that the beetles slowly began to rebuild their population, 281 larvae and 80 cocoons were brought from Kaunas and housed in specially constructed nests.
According to Dalia Bastytė-Cseh, project director of the Lithuanian Fund for Nature, the aim of these nests is to create conditions as close as possible to the groves where these beetles naturally live. The nests are filled with wood sawdust, leaves and logs.
Special grooves have been drilled in the roof of the two nests, through which rainwater can enter. “The relocated larvae of this rare beetle with our care will develop in the nests and, in a few years, we expect them to fly off and spread to adjacent areas,” says D. Bastytė-Cseh. At the moment
On the slope of the Neris, in the vicinity of Verkiai, 40 oaks and lemons grow, which are expected to be inhabited in the long run by the offspring of murky golden beetles transferred to nests.
