Interested in raising butterflies and moths at home? Join us to learn the proper practices for successfully caring for these fascinating insects through every stage of their life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis or cocoon, and finally to adult butterfly or moth.
In this program, we will cover:
- Choosing and identifying proper host plants and food sources
- Tips for keeping plants fresh in water while preventing caterpillars from crawling in
- Understanding the insect life cycle, including growth stages and instars
- Proper habitat setup and cleanliness practices to keep caterpillars healthy
- How to overwinter butterflies and moths so they can emerge healthy in the spring
Whether you are a beginner, educator, gardener, or nature enthusiast, this presentation from lep club members will provide practical guidance to help you successfully raise and enjoy native butterflies and moths.
Constance Scott has been raising butterflies since she was 8 years old (1973). Around 2014, along with Nick Spero, she helped start the Lep Club at the Natural History Society of Maryland. Through Nick’s guidance, Constance have learned how to raise just about all the native Leps in Maryland.
Eric Warner is a newer member of the NHSM Lepidoptera Club, but he has loved rearing Saturnids since he was a little kid, having always been fascinated with their size and beauty. He has successfully reared most of our largest species of native moths and has experience rearing them in very large numbers. Eric actively gives presentations about Lepidoptera conservation and care to various garden clubs, nature centers, museums, and other forums. He thinks there is something very special that happens when people of all ages can experience these amazing creatures firsthand, and loves being able to advocate for Lepidoptera by offering such rich sensory experiences.
If you love butterflies and moths, consider joining the NHSM Lep Club. Made up of novice and expert lepidopterists who meet to exchange knowledge and support concerning habitat, threats, food sources, identification, and life cycle of butterflies and moths, the Lep Club encourages the sharing of knowledge for the raising and breeding of moths and butterflies through hands-on lessons and guest speakers.
The NHSM Lepidoptera Club meets the fourth Wednesday of every month from March-October at 6908 Belair Rd or over Zoom. Club members are also involved in outreach in the greater Baltimore community through educational programs and service projects. If you have questions feel free to email the club coordinator at rbaldwin@marylandnature.org
Annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Lep Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families. Although you don’t need to be a member to attend our meetings, your membership dues support our programs and give you access to exclusive field trips and other events.
Registration
Levels:- Lep Club Member: $0
- NHSM Member: $0
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Education for All: $0
Suggested Donation $5