Events are scheduled in Mexico on multiple nights and 2 Canadian provinces are represented by activities.

Moth-ers in 35 US states are planning to participate in the citizen science activities during the week of July 19-27.

Check out the map to see what states and provinces have events scheduled.

If you are planning to register an event yet, or you know a friend, family member, or colleague that might be interested, please represent your country by signing up!

The five-spotted hawkmoth or tomato hornworm, feeds on tomato, eggplant, pepper, and other members of the Solanaceae family. Often the larvae of the tomato hornworm are parasitized by wasps and can be found clinging to the stems of tomato plants with white pupae attached to their bodies (left).

What’s Cool:
The adult moths have stunning markings on their abdomens. These spots become exposed when the moths spread their wings.

What’s Not Cool:
Tomato hornworm larvae are voracious eaters and can defoliate a tomato plant quickly if left untreated.

As its name implies, the squash vine borer, Melitta curcurbitae, targets plants in the family Cucurbitaceae (pumpkin, summer squash, zucchini, etc.). It is a pest to both commercial agricultural operations and home gardeners.

What’s cool:
Squash vine borer moths have an impressive aposematic coloration; the adult moths resemble a wasp at first glance. The moths are fast-moving and perform evasive maneuvers when chased.  Also, contrary to their bold coloration, the adults can disappear quickly in dense foliage.

What’s not cool:
The adult female moths, which are about 12 mm in length, lay a single egg at the base of the plant where the main stem meets the soil. The larva then enters the main stem of the plant, moving directly up the center of the stem and, consequently, blocking water movement within the plant. A quick indicator that you have squash vine borer larvae infesting your garden is visible wilting or death of entire cucurbit plants.

Check out this awesome website with more info about the squash vine borer.
*Please use caution if you pursue any insecticidal treatments for this insect pest.

If you post any info. about NMW, please use #NationalMothWeek.

We would love to get this organization of events trending on Twitter!

As always, you can forward any posts our way on Twitter or Facebook.

Thanks!

Jim Sogaard was generous enough to contribute a signed copy of his book, “Moths & Caterpillars of the North Woods,” to our on-going contest for registered-mothers.

This first-of-its-kind field guide presents photos and information about more than 300 species of moths found in the North. An innovative format makes field identification a snap, and 700-plus color photos illustrate how surprisingly colorful moths can be.

If you have registered an event, you are eligible to enter the contest to win a signed book. Just fill out the form and you will be entered into the random drawing.

Thanks for your participation in NMW, and good luck!

1. Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Thursday, July 26.

3-6 pm in the Arts and Sciences Building, Room 210: Demonstration on moths – how to preserve and identify specimens and how to bait for collecting them

7-8:30 pm in AS-210 slideshow and exhibit of moth specimens

8:30 pm-midnight in the area beyond the water treatment plant east of the Arts & Sciences Building – moth collecting by light and bait

Directions to Stockton

2. Franklin Parker Preserve, Chatsworth NJ, Friday, July 27

7 pm to midnight at the airstrip – called the Green Trail on the Parker Preserve map. Use the Chatsworth Lake Entrance, directly across from the lake on Rt. 532.

Lights will be set up near the building there and at a couple of sites near the restored bogs not far away, with bait trails in between.

Franklin Parker Preserve

For all events, bring camera, binoculars, collecting equipment. Be prepared for possible ticks, chiggers, and biting flies. Protective clothing, repellant, sunscreen, water.

Shawn Wainwright is also organizing a National Moth Week event at Cattus Island, Ocean County. Here’s the Flicker link:

National Moth Week at Cattus Island

Well, without further ado: the yes-voters win!

Here’s a picture of a moth that Liti saw out at sea last week!

Also be sure to check out David Wagner’s books:

Dave Wagner – Caterpillars of Eastern North America
Dave Wagner’s book on caterpillars is simply one of the coolest insect books to have been published, ever. It includes amazing close-up photos of caterpillars and a wealth of natural history information about each species. The book also has lots of information on caterpillar biology. Get this book!

Dave Wagner – Owlet Caterpillars of Eastern North America
Dave Wagner’s newest book written with three other top-notch entomologists, is as amazing as his first book about caterpillars. It focuses on the Owlet moths, a hugely diverse group of moths. It covers more than 800 species and also has stunning close-up photos of each caterpillar and many of the adult moths. It also has an excellent introductory chapter on moth ecology and techniques for raising them. Another absolutely stellar book from Dave Wagner and a must for the moth bookshelf.

If you have registered an event, you are eligible to enter a contest to win signed copies of these books!

The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 46 states have at least one event registered. Also, 3 Canadian Provinces will be participating. Check out this page to see a highlighted map of our North American members.

On the Moth Week Events page you can look at all events on one map. Pan over each continent…events are popping up all over the world!

Have you registered an event? Want a free moth book? Enter this contest if you haven’t already!

Remember, it’s not too late to register an event!

With 44 U.S. States on board, 2 Canadian Provinces, and 14 countries, National Moth Week has definitely out-grown its name!

Check out this map to see all the new states that have recently registered events!
Also, spend some time on the Moth Week Events page; there are now over 150 events planned! Zoom in on your area to see what events might be nearby. Click on a marker to learn more about the event.

Is there an empty space on the map in your area? You can always register your own event. Remember, an event can be any scale from you and your family at your porch light, to an organized group, to a survey as part of a university project, etc.

Know anyone from one of our missing 6 states? Contact them and encourage them to participate!