Winged Wonders

Long Key takes part in National Moth Week with two programs

WHAT:          Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center in Davie, in conjunction with the Broward County Butterfly Chapter and the Miami Blue Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), will help celebrate the first National Moth Week with two programs in late July and early August. Moth Week, which is expected to occur annually, puts a long-overdue spotlight on moths and their ecological importance as well as biodiversity. To date, 175 events are registered in 16 countries and 46 U.S. states, with a goal of ultimately having events scheduled on every continent and in all 50 states.

                   Starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, Long Key will hold its own Moth Day, to include “Moths: Curious, Sexy, Cool!”, a presentation by Dr. Michelle DaCosta of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Dr. DaCosta will discuss what South Florida’s moths look like and what they’re up to, including how they guard against predators, court, feed, and connect to the plants in our yards. She will also present information on the colorful day-flying moths and how they go about their lives. Information will be available on “moth gardens” and the native plants that can help attract moths to your back yard. The fee is $1 per person.

                   Then at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 3, for Moth Night, Dr. DaCosta will set up equipment to attract moths to Long Key and introduce program participants to what she finds. This effort will contribute to our understanding of moth populations in protected areas such as Long Key, as well as demonstrate how lepidopterists do their work with light, sheets, and potions that moths find irresistible. The fee is $5 per person.    

WHERE:        Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center
3501 S.W. 130th Ave., Davie 33330
954-357-8797       

WHEN:          Sunday, July 29, 2 p.m. (Moth Day)
 Friday, August 3, 7:30 p.m. (Moth Night)   

WHO:            For all ages.

HOW:            Fees: $1/person (Moth Day) and $5/person (Moth Night). 

For further information, call the nature center at 954-357-8797.