Moth Night brings out diverse variety of bugs

BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

David Moskowitz of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission points a flashlight at some of the moths and other insects that are attracted to a sheet illuminated by a bright bulb during Moth Night last week. EAST BRUNSWICK -- So you have a grudge against moths. Perhaps you've caught them eating your clothing, but never had the joy of watching a caterpillar change into one.

There was no such ill-will however at the township's Butterfly Park Aug. 22, when a crowd of about 50 turned out for the Environmental Commission's Moth Night. The event offered a chance to see and learn more about the sometimes pesky creatures about whom so much is written.

Commission member David Moskowitz said the event spotlighted the diversity of what's going on in the Butterfly Park, and showed the great variety of moths that are out there. There are probably more than 2,000 species of moths in the Rues Lane park, in contrast to the approximately 35 species of butterflies that have been found there.

Moskowitz used a number of methods to attract the moths and other insects to the area of the park where residents gathered. The commission set up a 175-watt mercury vapor light and a 40-watt black light in a different location. Both give off light in a color spectrum very attractive to insects. The lights were flanked by white sheets to give the flying insects a place to land and be examined by residents, he said.

A more organic method was also used, as Moskowitz and his daughter Hannah fermented a substance made of beer, rum and white and brown sugar. The mixture, painted on trees along a trail, was very attractive to moths, as discovered by groups of people led through the woods.

"This is a very old technique called 'sugaring,'" Moskowitz said, "and it worked perfectly."

The lights meanwhile attracted lots of different species, including moths, crane flies, beetles, weevils, parasitic wasps, katydids, praying mantes, lady bugs, lace wings and others.

"It demonstrated the incredible biodiversity of the Butterfly Park," Moskowitz said.

But the sheer number of moth species made the event interesting.

"Moths are so much more diverse than butterflies," Moskowitz said. "But most of these moths are not the kind that fly into your house to eat your clothing."

Commission member Rich Wolfert, who posted pictures from the event on the Web site www.njnaturenotes.com, was very pleased with the turnout.

"This was a great event," Wolfert said. "It was so successful that, if possible, we might do it again next month."

In general, Moskowitz said, the commission believes it's important for people to learn about insects, as this can help them make better decisions about cutting down trees and using pesticides.