Sat. June 6, 2026
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! 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. 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 7 at the same times and locations.
What's New for 2026
We have many exciting new activities planned for this year’s Crawl! Stay tuned for more information and details as they become available.
What to Bring & Wear
🔦 Essentials:
Flashlight or headlamp (to safely navigate in the dark)
Camera or smartphone (optional, but great for capturing insect encounters)
đź‘– 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 Your Way Across Hillsborough
Start at any of this year’s locations at 8:30 PM. At any location you can get your Official Hillsborough Moth Crawl Stamp Card. Get it stamped at each location you visit. Redeem your filled stamp card before the event ends at 11:30 PM at any location to receive your commemorative bumper sticker announcing you mothed your way across Hillsborough!
ABOUT
Our story coming soon!
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Addresses to hosts’ locations will be provided to registered attendees
Backyard Butterflies is a non-profit organization located in Hillsborough, NC. Their mission is to provide Lepidoptera education, community outreach, and assistance in creating backyard gardens or habitats that support butterfly and moth life cycles. They conduct multiple Moth Night events throughout the year and conduct the NC Moth Project and NC Under-reported County Mothing Project, both state-wide citizen science projects welcoming participants of all ages, abilities, and identities.
Eno River Association, founded in 1966, is an accredited land trust and conservation nonprofit driven by a mission to conserve and protect the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Eno River Basin.
They provide educational programs, events, and publications that serve tens of thousands annually. Their largest awareness and fundraising event, the Festival for the Eno, brings together dozens of musical acts, regional craft artists, local nonprofits, and tens of thousands of guests to West Point on the Eno Durham City Park for an outdoor festival Independence Day Weekend, held since 1980.
Triangle Land Conservancy’s mission strives to create a healthier and more vibrant Triangle region by safeguarding clean water, protecting natural habitats, supporting local farms and food, and connecting people with nature through land protection and stewardship, catalyzing community action and collaboration.
Throughout the year, at their multiple nature preserves, nature lovers and naturalists can enjoy a variety of programs and events.Â
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!
2026 CONTEST CATEGORIES
Total number of insect and spider species seen during the Moth Crawl at official locations. Last year the winner of this category submitted 139 observations. With over 10 collecting sheets it should be easy to have over 200 observations!
Total number of moth species seen during the Moth Crawl at official locations. Last year’s winner won with over 100 species.Â
Total number of insect and spider species – MINUS MOTHS – seen during the Moth Crawl at official locations. Only 34 species of “not moths” was all it took to win this category last year!
2026 CONTEST PRIZES
MERCH
2026 Limited Edition Hillsborough Moth Merch Coming Soon!
OUR spokes-moth for 2026 is eclosing may 1st!
REGISTRATION
OPENS ON MAY 1st
Note: Donations do not generate a ticket.
