First Photo: Greg Friel, livestock manager at Haleakala Ranch, removes a fireweed plant being devoured by Madagascan fireweed caterpillars from a plastic container Thursday afternoon at Haleakala Ranch.
Second Photo: William Jacintho, president of the Maui Cattlemen's Association, releases about 50 Madagascan fireweed caterpillars held in a plastic container Thursday afternoon at Haleakala Ranch. The containers, brought by state Department of Agriculture officials from Oahu, contained about 2,500 fireweed moths and larvae, which were distributed to about a dozen farmers and ranchers. The release of the moth is part of a bio-control program to rid Maui pastures of the invasive fireweed that is harmful to livestock.
Article Photos

Greg Friel, livestock manager at Haleakala Ranch, removes a fireweed plant being devoured by Madagascan fireweed caterpillars from a plastic container Thursday afternoon at Haleakala Ranch.
The Maui News / CHRIS SUGIDONO photo


