Want to help discover a new species?  In the past 10 years there have been almost 600 species of moths identified in the Florida Keys and through an ongoing survey, new species are being discovered all the time. The month of June is the best time of year to witness biodiversity in moths, so if you would like to be part of the first annual KEYS MOTHs BIO BLITZ, come join us and help play a part in further understanding the moth fauna in the Florida Keys.  David Fine (the “Moth Guy”) will guide the group in cataloging as many species of moths as possible. We have set a goal to identify 250 species in two nights. Make sure you bring your camera (cell phone cameras work too), a flashlight and some insect repellant.  The event is family-friendly and free.  Come on out, we guarantee you’ll be amazed at what you’ll see!

Meeting Locations:

National Key Deer Refuge

Thursday June 22nd, 7:30-9:30 pm

Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center in the Big Pine Key Shopping Plaza (across from Winn Dixie, we’ll be driving to a site on No Name Key.

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Key Largo, FL

Saturday June 24th, 7:30 – 9:30 PM

Meet at Croc Lake NWR Headquarters; 10750 County Road 905

Why moths?  Moths are important pollinators.  They outnumber butterflies and other well-known pollinators and yet very little is known about them.  This citizen science research project will provide much needed information about the diversity and abundance of these interesting creatures.