How much do you know about moths - the hyperdiverse (mostly) nocturnal cousins of butterflies? In celebration of National Moth Week, we’ll be hosting a Moth Ball at Quail Hollow Park in Santa Cruz to draw attention to the beauty, diversity, and ecological importance of moths. Quail Hollow is situated within one of the rarest habitat types in California - the Zayante Sandhills. The soil here is composed of the skeletons of ancient marine plankton, and there’s a distinctive and rare community of plants and associated insects found here, including the Federally Endangered Mount Hermon June Beetle (Polyphylla barbata). The diversity of plants (more than 425 species in this rather small park!) contribute to a large diversity of associated insects, which we are just now beginning to document more fully.



Naturalists from the California Center for Natural History will be at hand to teach us a bit about the lives and biology of moths, but about the whole suite of nighttime creatures we encounter as well.



This event will require walking over uneven & unpaved ground in the dark and might be difficult for those with mobility restrictions. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, walking shoes, and water.



This event is free! Suggested donation $20

Please RSVP using the form below: