Moth Night in Frost Woods

Moths often get a bad rap and are commonly perceived by most people as ugly stepsisters to the butterfly, which are appreciated by many for their beautiful, intricate colors.

But moths, which are closely related to the butterfly, can be beautiful, too. While moths differ from butterflies in that butterflies are day-loving and moths are highly nocturnal, moths can sport various colors and intricate patterns, as shown on the butterfliesandmoths.org website.

Those who would like to see the beauty of the moth up close are invited to the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission’s Moth Night, to be held Friday, July 22, from 8:30-11 p.m. in East Brunswick’s . Guests to the free event should arrive at the park’s parking lot on Summerhill Road in East Brunswick, just north of Old Stage Road.

The organization has been holding Moth Nights at various parks in East Brunswick throughout the summer. This Friday’s event will be the third Moth Night the group has held this year. The most recent moth night had about 30 participants, including everyone from families, kids, entomologists (those who study insects) and professional photographers, said Liti Haramaty, Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission’s secretary.

Just prior to the event, the event’s organizers will “sugar” trees, or paint a fermented moth-attracting cocktail of alcohol and fruit on surrounding trees, Haramaty said. “Moths are attracted to the fragrant mix of sugar and fermented alcohol,” she said.

Also to attract moths so that the public can better see them, the event’s organizers will hang a white screen in front of 175 watt mercury vapor light. The light, which mimics moonlight or sunlight, is a good tool for attracting moths, she said.

The event is held to “get people to learn what’s out there in nature,” Haramaty said. “People think of moths as dull-colored insects,” she said. “But moths can be very beautifully colored.”

Those who would like to try attracting moths for viewing at home, or who would like tips on how to best photograph moths should visit the friendsebec.com website for tips.