There are more than 11,000 species of moths in the United States, compared to approximately 700 species of butterflies. Considered by many to be their “duller cousins,” some moths and their larvae (or caterpillars) may rival butterflies in their spectacular patterns, coloring, size and other features, including the Forbes’ Silk Moth, which is specific to deep South Texas and the species we have chosen to be emblematic of Mega Moth Mission.

If you travel to the National Butterfly Center for this inaugural event, you may reasonably expect to see mega moths, such as the White-lined Sphinx (a “hummingbird” moth) and the Black Witch, or “bat” moth, which is the largest moth in the continental United States, with a wingspan of up to 7 inches.  An additional 2,000 or so species of all sizes, including many micromoths with wingspans less than 20 millimeters, call the Lower Rio Grande Valley region home.  And given the unique location of the Center, there is always a chance of observing a new county, Texas, or even US, record.

MEGA MOTH is named not only for the size and volume of moths you may experience during this 4-day/3-night event, but also for the number of observation stations and bait logs we will have set up across a 100-acre, pollinator-friendly habitat located at the edge of the subtropics on the 98th Meridian, where East meets West, and diversity of species is always exceptionally high.

We hope you will come spend Labor Day Weekend (September 1 – 4, 2023) with us at the National Butterfly Center at this family-friendly event, featuring a rare opportunity to camp out. Located within the shrinking Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Conservation Corridor, the Center remains one of the few places where visitors may learn about native vegetation, encounter native wildlife and enjoy the Rio Grande River—the lifeblood of this remarkable region.

Registration is $195 per person Age 12 and over, with a $45 discount for everyone before August 1.

Space for rustic, on-site camping is limited to 25 spots for individuals or family units, and it’s first come, first (re)served. Camping Liability Form is required.

Hopefully, we have anticipated and answered all of your questions on the website, but if you find we’ve overlooked anything after reviewing it all, please email [email protected] and allow 24 hours for a response.

We look forward to seeing you here!