Species: Urania leilus
Location: San Francisco, 766 Valencia St.

Urania leilus refuses to fit in the same mold as their less flamboyant moth relatives. When scientists first encountered this moth in 1758, they took one look at those iridescent wings and the swallowtail silhouette and just... filed it under butterflies and called it a day. Can you blame them? It flies during the day. It migrates in massive, shimmering swarms. It has structural color so precise that each scale bends light like a tiny prism. It drinks minerals from muddy riverbanks in a behavior so associated with butterflies that entomologists had to do a double-take when they saw a moth doing it.

The electric flash of green and blue color isn't just showing off, it's a warning to hungry predators . As a caterpillar, U. leilus feeds almost exclusively on toxic Omphalea plants, stockpiling poison until it earns the right to wear those colors. By the time it takes to the air, it is essentially a flying "do not eat me" sign. A beautiful, iridescent, two-million-years-in-the-making sign.

If you like standing out, defying expectations, and the occasional identity crisis, you might just find a kindred spirit in U. leilus. Join us to preserve this beautiful weirdo and bask in everything that makes it difficult (but not impossible) to categorize.

About the class:

In this hands-on, two-hour class, you will learn the full process of moth pinning, from hydration to pinning and preservation. Our expert instructor will guide you step by step, and you will use a Paxton Gate spreading kit to transform your moth into a preserved specimen you will get to take home and show off.

Inside each kit, you will receive:

• 1 Box of entomology pins
• 1 Anchor pin
• 4 Strips vellum paper
• Forceps
• Pinning board
  
• Instruction pamphlet

Important Details:

Classes will be held at 766 Valencia St., San Francisco.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before the class to receive store credit, redeemable for merchandise or future classes.
Pre-registration is required, as materials must be prepared for each student and space is very limited. Please arrive promptly at the start time. Students are encouraged to bring lunch or snacks.