Are you curious about the nighttime visitors to your backyard porch light, or those moths tapping on your window in the evening? Join The Caterpillar Lab on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 to 11 p.m. for an evening exploration of caterpillars, moths, and other insects at the Berkshire Botanical Garden to celebrate these diverse animals! Arrive early to meet a few local caterpillars and chat with local educators about these insects and their habitats, then join our educators to discuss mothing and its role in research, nature study, and general enjoyment of our forests. As we turn on the lights and wait for the moths to arrive, our educators will lead a guided investigation of the trailside understory in search of the many insects that call the preserve their homes. The evening will end at the moth light, a specialized bulb that is particularly attractive to nocturnal insects, where we will meet the stars of the show! This event is appropriate for all explorers both young and old, though it may not be appropriate for more casually-interested young children.

How to prepare:

• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and plan an extra layer for warmth
• Wear shoes you feel comfortable taking a short hike in
• It will be buggy! Insect repellent is okay to wear, we just ask that you don’t handle any insects if you have applied some to yourself (please apply repellent away from the main event area)

Long sleeves/pants and tight or high collars will help, especially if you’re planning to get in close to the moth light 

Bring a small flashlight or headlamp

Optional but recommended:

• A sit pad or lightweight and easy-to-carry camp chair
• A camera and/or field notebook 
• A UV flashlight if you already have one!