Butterflies and moths are one of the insect species we are most used to seeing, but their small bodies hold incredible survival adaptations and behavior that might not be apparent to the naked eye.
In this presentation, we hope you will learn something new and amazing about the family of butterflies and moths we call Lepidoptera.
We will start off with the popular monarch butterfly, discuss some physical structures of Lepidoptera, look at recent scientific studies, and discover species from far off places with behavior that not many know about.
Topics will include butterflies that drink blood, caterpillars raised by ants, memory retention through metamorphosis, moths that block bats' radar, and so much more!
Afterwards, join us for a sunset walk through the Horn Farm Center's pollinator gardens and fields where we will ID the butterflies we see. We'll finish the evening by visiting an illuminated moth sheet, hopefully catching a glimpse of some dusk-time Lepidoptera to close the program.
To help you bring the learning home, our farm partner, Calyx Native Nursery, will have a booth featuring butterfly- and moth-friendly native plants available for sale!
Below is a more detailed look for how we expect to spend our time together. Class plan is subject to change.
- 6:45-7:45PM // Presentation + Q&A
- 8-8:30PM // Tour of gardens in search of Lepidoptera
- 8:30-9PM // Optional moth sheet observation and send-off + time to browse and purchase plants from Calyx Native Nursery
Attendees are welcome to bring snacks or a light dinner to enjoy during the presentation. We also recommend bringing a refillable water cannister, pad and pencil for notetaking, and comfortable clothing / close-toed shoes for walking outdoors.
Image info
- Top: Adelpha, of the brush-footed butterly genus. Photo by the instructor.
- Bottom: Owl Butterfly, of the Caligo genus. Photo by the instructor.
About the Instructor: Jessica Bock
Jessica Bock was born in Medellín, Colombia where she spent a lot of time outdoors admiring the natural world. She went to college in Maine where she took classes in entomology, evolution, and other science topics. Her study abroad was in Costa Rica where she learned about tropical insects and arachnids. She is part of the Lancaster Butterfly Club and enjoys sharing the unusual information she learns in her research.
York, PA 17406
United States
| Class Fee | $10.00 |