Lepidoptera is the insect order that contains the butterflies andmoths. The Lepidotpera are the most recently evolved order of insects, havingarisen (presumably) from the caddisflies. Butterflies and moths are some of themost conspicuous and beautiful of insects, and they are among the few “bugs”that nearly everyone likes, although some are significant agricultural pests. Thetalk will focus on the evolution and ecology of butterflies and moths, and thelepidopteran species that are frequently encountered in the Bay Area.

Professor Washburn taught at UC Berkeley, and although retired, he is still very active and engaged in his life research. Among his many extensive accomplishments, he is an engaging docent at the UC Botanical Garden, where he can be found inspiring our next generation of entomologists!