The Moth Ball

Following last year’s popular and oversubscribed event, join us once again for a repeat performance of a special kind of ball this September, but don’t worry about bringing your dancing shoes! Once the sun goes down, bugs will be the ones showing off their moves. During this nature walk hosted by both the Town of Lexington Conservation Division and CLC, and with special guest Jace Porter of the Global Entomology Coalition, we will get up close and personal with the nighttime residents of our local conservation areas. We will be using a large sheet illuminated with ultraviolet light to attract all manner of fascinating critters – moths, beetles, flies, spiders, stick insects, or true bugs are just some of the things we might see (and if you’re curious what the differences are between “bugs” and “true bugs,” then this might be the event for you!). We will also have on display a collection of previously captured and pinned specimens of all shapes, sizes, and species to supplement the living bugs we encounter. Come learn all about some of the near-limitless forms of arthropods with us, and see what the buzz is all about.

Long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and a headlamp (preferably with a red light setting) are strongly recommended. Hooded shirts/sweaters or mesh head nets are recommended. Magnifying glasses are encouraged. If you’re familiar with the Seek or iNaturalist apps, we encourage using them too!

All ages are welcome, but we recommend attendees be 12 or older.

Meet Evan Paige, Assistant Conservation Director, at the Estabrook School parking lot (117 Grove Street, Lexington, MA 02420) before walking to Hennessey Field, which is located to the east of the school at the end of Robinson Road.

Friday September 18, 7-11 PM

Rain date: Saturday September 19, 7-11 PM

Registration required, limited to 20 participants – see CLC web site for registration link (https://clclex.org/events/)

Leaders:

Jace Porter, jaceporter@entomologycoalition.org

Evan Paige, epaige@lexingtonma.gov