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July 05. 2012 11:43PM
This blinded sphynx moth was a recent visitor to the back yard of Londonderry Conservation Commissioner Deb Lievens and paused for a moment to sit on her fingers. (COURTESY)
The allure of the moth
This blinded sphynx moth was a recent visitor to the back yard of Londonderry Conservation Commissioner Deb Lievens and paused for a moment to sit on her fingers. (COURTESY)
LONDONDERRY — Most people seem to prefer gazing at butterflies rather than at their more mysterious, nighttime counterparts. And that is somewhat perplexing for Conservation Commission Chairman Deb Lievens.
Lievens, a noted moth expert, will be educating her neighbors on the misunderstood insects later this month.
In honor of National Moth Week, Lievens is hosting two public events: “Moth Mania” at the Margaret and H.E. Rey Center in Waterville Valley on July 26 at 8 p.m. and a public slide show and moth viewing during the Conservation Commission meeting at Londonderry Town Hall on July 24 at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Both programs are free and open to the public.
“Everyone will get the opportunity to see what comes to the lights,” said Lievens, who noted that both scheduled moth viewings would be weather-dependent, though the slide show will be offered no matter what's happening outdoors.
While some scientists have been known to use specially designed lights and baits, Lievens said a successful moth spotting can be achieved using much simpler gear, like flashlights and outdoor porch lamps.
Held the week of July 23 through 29, the first ever National Moth Week is geared toward educating the public on the moth's important role in nature.
In North America, there are well over 10,000 moth species, offering endless opportunities for study, education and photography.
Found in both inner cities and suburban back yards, Lievens said she finds the diverse creatures “simply fascinating.”
Some are small as a pinhead, while others, such as the luna moth, are as large as a human hand.
And contrary to popular belief, some moths can even be viewed during the daytime.
Lievens said the colorful insects have long fascinated her, though her interest in them was definitely piqued during a trip to New Zealand in late 2010. She said she was especially fascinated by the impact of moths in the New Zealand rainforests, where native flowers are pollinated by a variety of moths.
For more information on Lievens' moth events, contact the Rey Center at 236-3308 or Londonderry Conservation Commission Secretary Jaye Trottier at 432-1100, ext. 134.
aguilmet@unionleader.com
Lievens, a noted moth expert, will be educating her neighbors on the misunderstood insects later this month.
In honor of National Moth Week, Lievens is hosting two public events: “Moth Mania” at the Margaret and H.E. Rey Center in Waterville Valley on July 26 at 8 p.m. and a public slide show and moth viewing during the Conservation Commission meeting at Londonderry Town Hall on July 24 at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Both programs are free and open to the public.
“Everyone will get the opportunity to see what comes to the lights,” said Lievens, who noted that both scheduled moth viewings would be weather-dependent, though the slide show will be offered no matter what's happening outdoors.
While some scientists have been known to use specially designed lights and baits, Lievens said a successful moth spotting can be achieved using much simpler gear, like flashlights and outdoor porch lamps.
Held the week of July 23 through 29, the first ever National Moth Week is geared toward educating the public on the moth's important role in nature.
In North America, there are well over 10,000 moth species, offering endless opportunities for study, education and photography.
Found in both inner cities and suburban back yards, Lievens said she finds the diverse creatures “simply fascinating.”
Some are small as a pinhead, while others, such as the luna moth, are as large as a human hand.
And contrary to popular belief, some moths can even be viewed during the daytime.
Lievens said the colorful insects have long fascinated her, though her interest in them was definitely piqued during a trip to New Zealand in late 2010. She said she was especially fascinated by the impact of moths in the New Zealand rainforests, where native flowers are pollinated by a variety of moths.
For more information on Lievens' moth events, contact the Rey Center at 236-3308 or Londonderry Conservation Commission Secretary Jaye Trottier at 432-1100, ext. 134.
aguilmet@unionleader.com
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