On a typical night in late Spring, there could be anywhere from 50 to 150 species of moths plus maybe another 50 other insects such as beetles, flies, leafhoppers, and more in Tom's yard. Tom Murray, author of "Insects of New England and New York", will set up two moth sheets lit with mercury vapor lights to observe whatever moths and other insects come to visit that night. Weather plays an important role in how many bugs show up. A warm humid calm night is best.
The moth night starts when it gets dark and can end at midnight or later. Participants can park at the Groton Center and the viewing will take place in the backyard of Instructor's residence.
When I was a young boy growing up in Fitchburg, I was always outdoors catching snakes. In 1989 after watching the birds coming to my feeders I got hooked and became a birder, traveling all over to see all sorts of bird species. Then in 2000 I got my first digital camera to photograph birds, butterflies and dragonflies. From there my passion to see as much as nature has to offer, I concentrated on finding, photographing and identifying every kind of bug I could. Since I've been studying insects for more than 20 years, I've photographed over 10,000 species all over the world and documented 1,700 different species of moths from my yard here in Groton.
I've also authored "Insects of New England and New York".
Tom Murray
