Description
The Cambridge Moth Ball
Come and be dazzled by the extraordinary nighttime creatures known as moths. Marvel at their mysterious habits, coloration, and special place in our ecology as you learn how to attract, photograph and ID moths.
Noctuid, Geometer, Sphinx ….moths always amaze. From the time of the Ancient Egyptians to today’s NPR storytellers, moths have held us spellbound with their style, colors, habits, and mysterious ways.
As part of National Moth Week, we will explore moths up close and share the data and photos we collect with researchers.
If you are interested in insects, butterflies, moths, or the wildlife of Cambridge, or if you like nature or nighttime, this event is for you. Photographers interested in creative moth portraits are especially encouraged to attend.
No previous mothing experience is required! Bring your picnic and carry out and recycle your trash. The moths will thank you!
Full Info: https://www.bostonbirdingfestival.org/posts/the-cambridge-moth-ball/
Click here for the full event flyer
Free
Wednesday, July 24, 2024,
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Kingsley Park at Fresh Pond Reservation
An evening of community science, moth collecting, data collecting, photography, IDing moths—and some children’s activities.
Attire: Mothical or Mystical
Family-friendly. Children with an Adult +1 or more are very welcome. There are port-a-potties and water bottle filling stations on site.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Billy Hicky, Nature photographer [LINK]
Teá Montagna, Entomologist, moth scientist [LINK]
About Moths:
- Moths are some of the most diverse and successful creatures on the planet.
- Massachusetts is estimated to have as about 2,900 species of moths.
- Scientists estimate there are 150,000 to 500,000 moth species worldwide.
- Moths are vital pollinators and they also play a critical role in the health of our deciduous woodlands.
- Most moths are nocturnal, but some fly in daylight like butterflies.
- Without moths, there would be far fewer birds. Some mammals, like bats, also depend on moths.
- Moths are masters of biomimicry and camouflage—except when they are not. Some species are large, showy, and dazzling.
- Finding cool moths can be as simple as shining a flashlight out a window and waiting for them to show up.
- Moths are not well understood. What questions do you have about moths? Let’s figure out how to answer them.
Here are some links to explore in advance!
Mass Moths
Bug Guide
Mothing in Massachusetts
Tom Murrray’s Moths Page
Insect ID (Massachusetts Moths)
