The Hillsborough Moth Crawl

Summon the Light: Commune with the Moths!

Unofficially described as part citizen science, part magic, and all parts pure moth joy, we’re ecstatic to return for another night of mothy mayhem across Hillsborough! Whether you are a curious newcomer or seasoned moth’er, young or old, join us for an evening around the glowing lights where moths lurk and everyone’s weirdness is welcome! Come dressed up in your best pair of wings or clad in your best Mothman costume in celebration and love for our "nighttime butterflies"!

This year’s Moth Crawl has expanded thanks to a grant from the Hillsborough Garden Club. We have partnered with Eno River Association and Triangle Land Conservancy to provide better parking accommodations and space for over 10 light trapping sheets. Addresses to all three locations will be provided in your registration confirmation email along with other helpful information.

Moth your way across three locations in one night at multiple Mothing Stations per venue. We will have over 10 different light collecting sheets using a combination of mercury vapor, LepiLED, and Entoqup UV lights.

Moth Station hosts and volunteers will help you identify moths on collecting sheet(s), answer questions, and provide information about moths and the various other insects you will see.

Mothing is a weather dependent activity. Attendees will be provided updates by email about delayed start times or rescheduling in the event of rain. The scheduled rain date is Sunday, June 8 at the same times and locations.

What to Bring & Wear for the Moth Crawl

🔦 Essentials:

• Flashlight or headlamp (to safely navigate in the dark)

• Camera or smartphone (optional, but great for capturing insect encounters)

👖 Clothing Guidelines:

• Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)

• Long pants

• Snug-fitting shirt (avoid loose sleeves)

• Minimize exposed skin—some insects will land on you or crawl up sleeves!

🧴 Extra Tips:

• Insect repellent is recommended (to discourage friendly tickles)

• UV lights will be in use—consider applying sunscreen to exposed skin

How to Moth Crawl Your Way Across Hillsborough

Start your adventure at any of our three glowing locations—sites open at 8:30 PM. At your first stop, pick up an Official Hillborough Moth Crawl stamp card. As you flutter from site to site, collect a stamp at each one. Once you’ve visited all three locations, show us your completed card (you can keep it as a souvenir) to receive a complimentary bumper sticker proudly declaring: "I mothed my way across Hillsborough at the Hillsborough Moth Crawl"

iNaturalist Contest

The Hillsborough Moth Crawl iNaturalist Contest is open to all attendees of the event. To enter the contest you will need to have an iNaturalist user account and join the official iNaturalist contest project for a chance to win prizes while helping us document the incredible diversity of moths in our area during the night of the Crawl! Contest Eligibility Requirements & Rules can be read on the event webpage or on the iNaturalist project page.

2025 Contest Categories

• Most Observations
• Most Moths
  
• Most Not-Moths
  

2025 Contest Prize Packages

There are three prize packages, and they are not assigned to specific contest categories. Each winner—regardless of which category they win—will choose one prize package from the same set of three. That means every winner picks from the full lineup, and multiple winners may choose the same prize if they wish. The prize packages are not “claimed” or removed once selected.

Official Moth Crawl Merch

Celebrate your love of all things lepidoptera in style! This year’s exclusive Moth Crawl tee features everyone’s favorite fuzzy friend—the rosy maple moth—illustrated in vibrant, whimsical style by Blue Aster Studio. (Check them out for even more nature-inspired goodness!) Available in adult sizes S–5XL, because moth love comes in all sizes.

Helpful hint: Be sure to order in time to have your T-shirt for the Moth Crawl! Allow for 10-14 days when purchasing for processing and delivery time.