Continuing their strong tradition of inspiring people to learn about butterfly conservation, our Daniels Lab team hosted a Halloween-themed beer launch event at a local brewery on October 30, 2024. Our scientists and students were thrilled to show up in costume and bring the party!
Jaret Daniels, curator of Lepidoptera here at the Museum, worked with long-time partners at First Magnitude Brewing Co. to create a special beer to celebrate a moth species to coincide with spooky season. They created a black rye ale with vanilla called “Black Witch” highlighting the Black Witch moth. These large and elegant moths live in regions of the Americas including here in Florida.
Many people are not aware of the number of moth species that can live in their area, or that there are a few simple ways they can help support these and other nocturnal insects. Even in urban and suburban settings people can have a tremendous effect by turning off unneeded lights, using motion-activated lighting, and switching to bulbs that produce red-colored light.
Alongside launching this tasty Black Witch beer, our Daniels Lab team was at the brewery to talk about butterflies and moths, and the plants they rely on to thrive. Visitors were able to select a free plant to take home, check out Museum collections and research, and support conservation work when they purchased the beer and cool coordinating merch.
Keep your eye on our calendar for the next butterfly (or moth) beer launch event to help support conservation efforts for these important insects in Florida.