Boston Flora

Tag: moths

  • Tuesday, November 14, 7:30 pm – Limacodidae Caterpillars and the Life of Harrison Dyar

    November’s meeting of the Cambridge Entomological Club will be held Tuesday, November 14th, at 7:30 PM in room 101 of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Oxford Street, Cambridge. Marc Epstein, Senior Insect Biosystematist at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, will be discussing Limacodidae Caterpillars and the Life of Harrison Dyar.

    When Marc Epstein began dissertation research on limacodid moths at the University of Minnesota, he soon sensed that Harrison G. Dyar had an “inordinate fondness” for them, although he was known for his work on many families of Lepidoptera, as well as mosquitoes. Epstein will take you on my journey of discovery, including an interview with his son about Dyar’s extensive tunnels beneath Washington, DC, an exploration of his double life, and other unusual attributes of his life. Epstein will also touch on his life in Boston with his mother, Eleonora Rosella Dyar, a well- known medium, his time at MIT and as a member of this club publishing not only his famous paper on geometric growth of caterpillars, known as “Dyar’s Law” in Psyche, but also other papers, including the life histories of over 60 geometrid moths! Dyar spent most of a decade in Boston (1882-1892), interrupted only by summers near Rhinebeck, New York, and extensive western collecting trips.

    A book signing will follow the talk.

    The talk is free and open to the public. The meeting is readily accessible via public transportation. Parking is available in the Oxford Street Garage with advance arrangement,  or (usually but not always) at spaces on nearby streets. Everyone is also welcome to join us for dinner before the talk (beginning at 5:45 PM) at the Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave., Cambridge.

  • Saturday, January 21, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm – Drawing Butterflies and Moths in Colored Pencil

    Explore the beauty of butterflies and moths on Saturday, January 21 from 9:30 – 12:30 at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street in Cambridge, with Erica Beade. This three-hour workshop will introduce observational drawing techniques with pencil and then dive into colored pencil techniques used to create a rich, vibrant image. All skill levels are welcome. $45 for Museum members, $55 for nonmembers. Advance registration required at https://reservations.hmsc.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?EventID=11

  • Saturday, June 20, 9:00 pm – late night – 5th Annual Moth Ball

    Join Athol Bird and Nature Club president Dave Small and naturalist Lula Field at Dave and Shelley’s house, 1542 Pleasant St., Athol, on Saturday, June 20 at 9 pm to search for Lunas, underwings, silkmoths and other night flying insects. Participants are invited to bring their tents, snacks to share and favorite moth baits. (Don’t know what those are? You’ll find out!) Info: Dave Small, 978-413-1772 or Dave@dhsmall.net. Crecopia moth picture courtesy of the National Wildlife Federation.

  • Wednesday, August 27, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – The Elusive Moth

    On Wednesday, August 27, from 8 – 10, enjoy an evening at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive in Boylston, learning about and observing moths and other night flying insects with naturalists Dave Small and Sue Cloutier. They will share their knowledge and enthusiasm for these amazing animals, beginning indoors with an introduction to moths, followed by an evening of looking at moth attracting lights and baited trees. Bring your camera and flashlight. For all ages (children must be accompanied by adult). Free with admission to Tower Hill.  The male Imperial Moth pictured below is from the website  www.whatsthatbug.com.

  • Friday, July 11, 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm – Moth Night at Northfield Mountain Reservation

    Enjoy an evening learning about and observing moths and other night flying insects at Northfield Mountain Reservation with a team from the Athol Bird and Nature Club including naturalists: Dave Small, Lula Field, Betsy Higgins, and Sue Cloutier. They will share their knowledge and enthusiasm for these amazing animals, beginning indoors with an introduction to moths, followed by an evening of looking at moth attracting lights and baited trees. Popular interest in moths is rapidly growing. With over 10,000 species in North America alone, moths offer endless options for study, education, photography and fun. Their diversity is astounding with a range of colors and patterns, shapes and sizes. Don’t miss this evening discovering the intriguing world of moth baits, lights and flying nocturnal insects. Bring your point and shoot digital (or other) camera and flashlight. This free program is co-sponsored with the Athol Bird and Nature Club. For all ages (children must be accompanied by adult) Pre-register by calling 800-859-2960 free and open to all.

  • Saturday, June 16, 9:00 pm – late night – 4th Annual Moth Ball

    Join Athol Bird & Nature Club president Dave Small and naturalist Lula Field at Dave and Shelley’s house, 1542 Pleasant Street in Athol, to search for Lunas, underwings, silkmoths and other night flying insects.  Participants are invited to bring their tents, snacks to share, and favorite moth baits.  Don’t know what those are?  You’ll find out.  For complete information, contact Dave@dhsmall.net.