Nocturnal Neighbors: Insect Diversity and Puppets

Join Florida Museum lepidopterist Vaughn Shirey and local artist Ang DeCarlis at this FREE interactive workshop. See how scientists collect and study bugs that are often only active at night before learning how to make your own shadow puppets! All materials provided, no prior experience required.

This event is FREE but pre-registration is required. Pre-registrations close on Friday at 5 p.m.

Moth Week: July 18-26, 2026

Location

We will be meeting at the Field & Fork office building located near the UF Bat Houses. There is a parking lot directly adjacent to the building but be sure to read all posted parking signage.

Wear appropriate footwear and clothes that can get dirty or wet as a portion of our activities will be outdoors at night.

Bonus Bats

Double your evening adventure by visiting the UF bat houses to watch the evening emergence! It's recommended to arrive 15-20 minutes before sunset to secure a good seat, and then the bats emerge not long after sunset.

Check out the tips and tricks for a good bat house visit, including safety guidelines for being near this wildlife facility.

After the bat emerge, walk back to the Field & Fork office for our neat event!Florida Museum on the Go!

Find us out into the community at favorite spots around town while our public exhibits building is closed for the big expansion project. We’re bringing the Florida Museum to farmers markets, libraries and other local events around Alachua County. You never know where the next Pop-Up Museum or Pop-Up Gift Shop will surprise you.