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Moth Night at Durant Nature Preserve

David George
10 June 2024

moth night table

Last night we held the first annual moth night event at Durant Nature Preserve in Raleigh. I hosted the event with Tracy Feldman, and we had a good-sized group in attendance, including several people who had never taken part in a moth night. Among the first time attendees were NCBP member Cecil Frost and his wife Vonda. Rich Teper and Jeff Niznik helped set up lights, and Rich brought a small fraction of his large collection to share with our guests.

Prior to heading out to the sheets, we had a short program highlighting the diversity and importance of moths. We also talked a bit about leaf-mining insects, which is Tracy's specialty. For the event, I was trying out a new moth bingo game, and it seemed to be popular. Since I didn't know what kind of moths to expect, or what level of experience our guests would have, I made a very beginner-level bingo card, with categories like "yellow moth" and "beetle." I think everyone who played managed to complete their card and claim a prize.

underwing moth

We had four sheets set up on the forested slopes of the south side of the preserve, including Rich's mercury vapor light and three sheets with UV lights. The sheets attracted a wide range of night-flying insects, including many interesting moths. Some of the highlights included:

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