*SOLD OUT* Moth Madness!

Saturday, July 22 | 7:30 – 10:30 pm

Our enchantment with butterflies isn’t surprising. The latter group are easily observed day-flyers and collectively encompass a rainbow palette of colors punctuated with ornate patterns. However, moth diversity overwhelms that of butterflies. While about 140 butterfly species have been found in Ohio, probably over 4,000 moth species occur here! Most moths are nocturnal and largely out of sight and mind. Nonetheless, they are one of the most important animal groups. Moths are inextricably intertwined with native plants, birds, and the whole of the eastern deciduous forest ecosystem. This talk will be a pictorial journey into an intriguing and little known world that unfolds all around us.

Following the indoor program, Chelsea Gottfried and Jim McCormac will lead a short hike in the crepuscular hour – when day turns to night. Illuminated moth sheets will already be hung, and interesting subjects will start fluttering in after nightfall. The property around The Dawes Arboretum’s Red Barn Reserve hosts a very diverse moth fauna and we should see some amazing insects.

Jim worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for 31 years as a botanist, and later specializing in wildlife diversity projects for the Division of Wildlife. He has authored or coauthored six books, including Birds of Ohio (Lone Pine 2004); and Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage (Kent State University Press 2009). His latest, coauthored with Chelsea Gottfried, is Gardening for Moths (Ohio University Press 2023).

Chelsea Gottfried works as a naturalist and nature-based preschool teacher for the Crawford Park District in north-central Ohio. She is a keen gardener and a passionate entomologist.

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