Our understanding of the scientific order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies and moths, has come a long way since the days of Mothra, the giant moth that made multiple appearances in Japanese sci-fi films in the 1960s and beyond. Today moths are often overshadowed by their more "glamorous" butterfly cousins. They can be just as fascinating, however, as you'll learn if you take part in activities in observance of National Moth Week, at Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center in Davie. These fun programs will help you gain a greater appreciation of the importance of moths to the planet's ecosystems.

First up is Moth Day, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. The free event will include activities all afternoon, including presentations by butterfly and moth experts, moth and butterfly walks, a how-to workshop on moth viewing, educational booths, and door prizes. Coinciding with Moth Day will be a Pollinator Plant Sale, offering plants that attract moths and butterflies to your home landscape or garden. The sale, which benefits the Friends of Long Key volunteer group, is also from noon to 5 p.m.

Then, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21, will be Magical Moths for Kids, for ages 3 to 10. Free activities will include games, science experiments, crafts, and hands-on activities. Finally, Moth Night, on Saturday, July 27, will host a workshop, "Rules of Attraction - Luring Moths for a Closer Look," from 7 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn how to attract moths to their backyards so they can view and/or photograph them. From 8 to 10:30, the event will offer moth viewing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Lights and no-kill traps will be set up to attract moths for up-close viewing and photographing. The fee is $5 per person for the full evening or any part of it.

For more information on any of these program components, call Long Key at 954-357-8797.