It is amazing to discover the diversity of insects first-hand, especially at night! About forty adults and children came to SWC’s Moth Night on August 10th at Crowder County Park in Apex. Bonnie Eamick gave a brief overview before turning everyone loose with magnifying cases, jars for temporary capture, and blacklight flashlights, while she and park technician Adam Prince provided assistance and helped with identification. One adult attendee said “It was worth coming just to see the wonder and excitement on all the kids’ faces!” It appeared the adults enjoyed the discoveries just as much as the kids, too.
One of the most beautiful finds of the night was the Ailanthus Webworm Moth, which looks like a hand-painted piece of art, even with its wings folded back. There were many other types and sizes of moths, including the subtle yet beautiful patterns on the Porcelain Gray moth. We attracted a lot of beetles, too, including the large Grapevine Beetle. A Snowy Tree Cricket was found on a leaf on the other side of the exoskeleton it had just abandoned. It was hard to stop looking for more, but it was getting late . . .
Watch our calendar for more fun, educational events coming up and join us when you can!
South Wake Conservationists 