Everyone is familiar with colorful, day-flying butterflies. Far fewer are tuned in to the darker side of the Lepidopteran world: MOTHS. Did you know that moth species outnumber butterflies by a factor of 22? It’s true! Most moths fly under the over of darkness and are more difficult to observe.
Catch moth madness, and even learn how you could raise them, during two awesome evening programs on Friday, June 26, hosted by your local Lepidoptera lovers.
Lepidoptera Farming: The Art of Raising Moths and Butterflies kicks off at night, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road (Route 87), Russell Twp.
There, Tami Gingrich, research assistant in Geauga Park District’s Natural Resource Management Department, will share a lifetime of spectacular photographs, as well as tips and techniques for breeding/rearing seven species of giant silk moths. She’s also planning to bring live specimens so that you can get a taste for the task.
Then, travel to Moth Madness at The Rookery, 10110 Cedar Road, Munson Twp., between 10 p.m. and 1 p.m. as Tami, Naturalist Linda Gilbert and other moth experts monitor mercury vapor and black light stations set up in three different locations/habitats. Ask questions, study these fascinating night-flying insects, and bring a flashlight and camera for some great photo ops!
Registration is not required for either program. The West Woods Nature Center is fully wheelchair/stroller accessible, but accessibility will be limited at The Rookery. Call 440-286-9516 with questions.
This article is brought to you by Geauga Park District
