Marvelous Moth Program

Join Swannanoa Valley Wild alongside Naturalist and Photographer, Sharon Mammoser, for a unique opportunity to learn and SEE some Marvelous MOTHS. Prepare to be surprised! We’ll start off in the classroom as we observe and learn about moths that live in WNC through photography and stories. Many moths are just as colorful as their day-flying cousins, the butterflies. Take the gorgeous pink and yellow rosy maple moth for example, or the yellow io moth with its shocking false eyes on its hind wings.

You'll discover why we should care about moths, how many species exist, what special adaptations they have to avoid predators and how they’re able to thrive in the dark. As darkness arrives, we will head outside to the edge of the woods, where several mothing stations will be set up consisting of a light source directed onto a white sheet. Moths, and other insects are attracted to the lights. This program is a fabulous opportunity to look closely, and photograph these marvelous creatures. We never know who will join us, only that it's going to be interesting! Bring your camera and your sense of curiosity, and prepare for a memorable experience.