Biodiversity Days: Goth Butterflies Shedding Moonlight on Nocturnal Insects at the UBC Farm

Goth Butterflies: Shedding Moonlight on Nocturnal Insects at the UBC Farm

A Biodiversity Days event for learning about local nocturnal insects

This May, in honour of UN International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22), the UBC Farm is hosting a series of events to celebrate biodiversity and its importance for our communities, health and planet.

Interested in more Biodiversity Days 2023 events? Learn more here!

The UBC Farm wayfinding sign at night in moonlight

About the Event

Interested in learning more about the goths of the insect world that come out to pollinate after dark? Join us at the UBC Farm for an event spotlighting the diverse assemblage of nocturnal bugs that live in and around Vancouver! We will take a look at some of the insects we catch in our nighttime surveys and see what kinds of critters pay us a visit on a light sheet. We’ll provide an intro on nocturnal insect biology, identification, and the many exciting ways they have adapted to live in the dark. Come learn about how these creatures of the night benefit us and the ecosystems they live in.


When, Where, and Who are the Speakers?

    • Thursday, May 25, 2023, 9:30 – 11:00 p.m.
    • UBC Farm – 3461 Ross Drive, Vancouver, BC
    • Speakers: Speakers: Hannah Anderson, Daphne Chevalier, & Matt Tsuruda


Register Here

Important Note

This event will happen outside and at night so dress appropriately for the weather and bring appropriate equipment (weather appropriate footwear, covered arms and ankles for mosquitos, headlamp or flashlight). In the case of rain or poor weather, the event will be cancelled. We ask all UBC Farm visitors to respect and enjoy the space, and to not disturb any plants, equipment, or research apparatus on site. Please watch your footing and stay on the roads or grass pathways. Please leave your pets at home. Also note there are washrooms on site, but only portable toilets.

Transit & Parking Details

This event is part of Biodiversity Days, a month-long celebration every May that honours the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22). Local celebrations highlight the many species, genes and ecosystems that sustain our communities. Hosted by UBC Botanical Garden in collaboration with SEEDS Sustainability Program and Climate Crisis in Urban Biodiversity Initiative (CCUB), this year’s events feature family nature walks, a student Research to Action Showcase, tree and bird tours, citizen science action, virtual events, practical workshops and more. Biodiversity Days is made possible with funding provided through the UBC Botanical Garden Community Outreach Fund and the SEEDS Sustainability Program.