Chapter Meeting and Entomology Class – Butterflies & Moths

Valerie Bugh is a local naturalist specializing in the arthropods of the Austin area, with interests in taxonomy and photography. She runs the Fauna Project at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, leads insect discovery walks, teaches entomology courses, provides insect/spider identifications, gives talks to local organizations, and has published a pocket guide to “The Butterflies of Central Texas.”  Website: http://www.austinbug.com/index.html

Butterflies

There is a lot more to butterflies than just pretty wings. These insects are a dynamic component of the ecosystem and offer people a manageable glimpse into the complex world of arthropods. This program covers the major groups of butterflies, their predators, behaviors, challenges, life cycle, and survival strategies.

Moths – The Mysterious Majority

Of about 2000 species of lepidoptera found in the Hill Country, only 150 are butterflies. Moths are far more numerous and diverse than butterflies, including more varied lifestyles, far greater size range, and some rather surprising survival strategies. This program will cover both caterpillars and adults, identifying the major families as well as some oddities, and a look at the beauty of these often overlooked insects.