News Release

Celebrate MothaPalooza at White Sands National Monument

This moth  (Protogygia whitesandsesis) is found only among the dunes at White Sands National Monument

NPS

News Release Date: July 29, 2019

Contact: Kelly Carroll, 575-479-6124 ext. 230

ALAMOGORDO, NM – Enjoy a free family-friendly event and learn more about the special animals, especially moths, which only live in the white gypsum dunes.  Join us for MothaPalooza at White Sands National Monument on Friday, August 2, 2019, from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

"White Sands National Monument is a special place for its natural beauty and its unusual geologic and biotic resources," stated Superintendent Marie Frías Sauter. "Come out to White Sands and see moths found no other place on Earth during the park’s own MothaPalooza. You might even see an undescribed species!" 

MothaPalooza starts at 8:00 pm at the Dune Life Nature Trail trailhead where visitors, young and old alike can explore walkup science tables and learn about the rare geology of the white dunes and the other outstanding natural resources located in the park.

At 9:00 pm, Alamogordo's own world-class expert on moths, Eric Metzler, will give a presentation to describe his work in discovering more than 60 new species of moths in the located in the park. 
After the presentation, Mr. Metzler will conduct a “moth sheeting” – using white sheets and black lights to attract the moths of White Sands. The moth viewing will end at 11 pm. 

Visit the park’s bookstore, operated by Western National Parks Association, all week where special moth related items are available to celebrate MothaPalooza. A portion of all bookstore sales supports visitor and educational programs at White Sands National Monument.

There is no fee for MothaPalooza. All events are located at the Dune Life Nature Trail trailhead. Monument entrance fees apply. Collecting any plants, moths, or other objects in the Monument is not permitted. For more information call 575-479-6124 ext. 236.