It was still light as I arrived at the Museum of Life and Science’s Third Annual Black Light Insect Hunt. Many Chimney Swifts along with a few bats were flying low over the Wetlands, hawking insects. As the light faded, more and more bats joined the swirling mass. Soon, the swifts disappeared leaving the night skies to the bats, and to the insects of the night.

Mercury vapor and black lights were set up in front of white sheets in hopes of attracting night-flying insects. The lights were placed at the midway landing on the boardwalk leading down into the Wetlands and at the Wetlands Overlook. Hundreds of caddisflies, moths, including Sphinx and Underwing Moths, several beetle species, an owlfly, lacewing, and even a mantisfly were seen.

The frogs in the Wetlands were in rare form that night as they loudly called out from the water and the willows. Two large Bullfrogs grappled with each other, rolling and tumbling in the water. At one point it seemed that every kid had a treefrog in their hands. Frogs were hopping along on the boardwalk, clinging to the Wetlands Overlook exhibits….

I certainly had fun, and I saw only smiles on the faces of all who were there!