Worldwide, there are an estimated 20,000 species of butterflies and 165,000 species of moths. On travels here in New England and in Vietnam, teacher/naturalist Linda Graetz has photographed hundreds of them.
Large Tolype Moth. Photo: Linda Graetz
If you'd like to learn more about these fascinating winged (but not in every part of their life cycle!) beauties who are essential to life on earth, please join the Chocorua Lake Conservancy and the Cook Memorial Library for “Butterflies are From Venus, Moths are From Mars,” a visual and informative introduction to butterflies and moths, on Tuesday, July 19, at 7PM, live via Zoom. Educator and insect enthusiast, Linda Graetz will share her photographs and knowledge about the basics of how to identify butterflies and moths, as well as her astonishment at the beauty and diversity of moths that often take a back seat to their more readily seen and admired cousins, the butterflies. While there will be photographs of tropical butterflies and moths, be assured that there will be many photos of butterflies and moths you can see easily here in Massachusetts and New England. This program is free; please register in advance below.
Giant Leopard Moth. Photo: Linda Graetz
If you’ve joined our Zoom program, “Butterflies are from Venus, Moths are from Mars”, you're well prepared to head out to find and identify some of them—patience, close observation and describing what you see are the most important skills you’ll need. On Saturday, July 23, from 10AM-12PM, join us for “Walking with Wings” in Chocorua. We'll look for moths and butterflies in a lepidoptera-friendly location. We’ll explore and learn together as we describe, observe, and share our finds with each other. Wear sunscreen, long pants and close-toed shoes. Please bring your own water, tick/mosquito repellant, and a magnifying glass if you have one. The free outdoor program is limited to 20 participants; please register in advance HERE. Children 8 and up are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult.
Linda Graetz is an educator and photographer who spent a very rewarding thirty years in museum and art education. An avid birder since the late 1970s, upon retirement she turned most of her attention to nature. She trained as a teacher/naturalist at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm and taught there for more than 10 years. It was through her work there that her interest in insects was ignited. Her passion now is to inspire others to see and learn more about these amazing creatures.
Banner image: Common Buckeye. Photo: Linda Graetz