From Mitchell's satyr to the frosted elfin, researchers from around the world will gather to discuss butterflies and moths at the 51st annual Lepidopterists' Society meeting hosted by Wake Forest University July 26-30. Conference events are also open to local butterfly and moth enthusiasts.
Registration is required.
Events will begin with a field trip to photograph local butterfly species. Led by Jim Nottke of the Carolina Butterfly Society, the group will depart from Winston Hall at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26. But other butterflies are more elusive, according to Stephen Hall, invertebrate zoologist with the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Wayne Wehling of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a discussion of the laws governing interstate transport of butterflies and moths for butterfly houses or environmental release. Guest lecturer Fred Nijhout, professor of zoology at Duke University, will discuss the evolution of butterfly wing patterns during the afternoon session on Friday, July 28.