‘Bugs, Bones, and Brews’ await at First Magnitude on Oct. 23

Press release from the Florida Museum of Natural History

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Celebrate spooky season with the Florida Museum of Natural History at Bugs, Bones, and Brews on Oct. 23 from 5 to 8 p.m., hosted at First Magnitude Brewing Co.

The event is the latest in a series of ‘beer and butterfly’ fundraisers that support butterfly conservation by highlighting local species. As part of the event, First Magnitude is releasing a limited series hazy India pale ale with jalapeno peppers called the “Hickory Horned Devil Hazy IPA,” named after a species of moth native to North America whose caterpillars often feed on walnut trees.

“It’s always great when conservation and community can intersect like this. These collaborative beer launches have become a real highlight of our programming,” said Jaret Daniels, curator of Lepidoptera at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity. “With each species highlight, it allows us to try something different. This year, we’re very excited to be joined by the University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute and our herpetology and paleontology divisions.”

Museum scientists will have fossils from prehistoric creatures like saber-toothed cats and Titanoboa, plus preserved amphibians with strange adaptations and live critters from the McGuire Center. Attendees can also take part in short rounds of spooky trivia to win prizes. Ten percent of proceeds from the beer sales will directly support imperiled butterfly recovery efforts in Florida.

For more information, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/bugs-bones-and-brews-2025.