Book Description

New Guinea, the world's second largest island, lies at the heart of the Australasian center of species diversity. The remarkable richness of species in the region is no more spectacularly evident than in its bewildering and beautiful array of butterflies. Michael Parsons presents, from his fifteen years of studying these butterflies, a comprehensive description of this butterfly fauna which describes and celebrates their evolution and ecology. The butterflies of New Guinea show how a single animal group can diversify to fully exploit the riches of a tropical rainforest environment. More than 958 species have been recorded so far, and each has developed a unique relationship to its environment, foodplants, predators, and competitors.

This book presents a valuable reference for both the amateur naturalist with an interest in butterflies and the evolutionary ecologist interested in the processes and results of adaptation. The book provides a background of the geography of New Guinea, the origins and characteristics of its butterfly fauna, and special considerations of New Guinea butterfly ecology and conservation. The 820 species recorded from Papua New Guinea and a checklist of the 958 species occurring in Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya as a whole are also discussed in detail. This book includes line drawings showing detailed identification points, color photographs of some 3000 specimens, and over 400 color photographs detailing aspects of life history and ecology. The Butterflies of Papua New Guinea presents a vital inventory of the present fauna, in addition to projections of the discovery of new species and the fortunes of those already in existence there.

Key Features:

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Examines butterflies as key indicators of environments under pressure
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Contains color photos of more than 3000 specimens
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Presents the first comprehensive review of the lives of New Guinea butterflies
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Includes over 400 color photographs from life

Reviews (1)

The Butterflies of Papua New Guinea - Michael Parsons (1999)
The Butterflies of Papua New Guinea - Their Systematics and Biology - Dr Michael Parsons (736 pages, 26 B/W plates, 136 colour photos)

This is a marvellous book and is long overdue. The butterflies of PNG include some of the largest and most magical butterflies in the world and Dr Parsons has researched his subject thoroughly for more than 15 years, and was a senior entomologist in the Wildlife Division in Papua New Guinea from 1979 - 1984.

The book is divided into two parts plus an extensive bibliography, a glossary, index, line drawings, (selected) genitalia, 11 appendices, 57 text figures, 8 tables and 136 colour photographs, including 32 of early stages (the photograph of a fully grown Queen Alexandra's Birdwing caterpillar on a man's hand is awesome).

Part 1 has 11 very comprehensive chapters: Scope & Format; New Guinea Past & Present; World Faunal Regions & Butterfly Diversity; Origins & Composition of the New Guinea Butterfly Fauna; A History of Butterfly Collecting in New Guinea; Butterfly Conservation & Commerce in PNG; Aspects of Butterfly Ecology in PNG; Mimicry in New Guinea Butterflies; Collection & Study; Adult Structure; Classification & Nomenclature.

Part 2 lists and describes over 820 species by family and there is a checklist of 959 species so far discovered on the island of New Guinea and its satalite archipelagos. Not only are descriptions of all stages given, but also a history of each species from when it was first described to the present. Known ranges, foodplants of larvae and habits are also given. Some species, notably the birdwings, have distribution maps. This section brings the serious entomologist bang up to date with the subject and also provides the enthusiastic novice with a book that will lead him or her through the wonderful PNG butterflies without losing the reader in a sea of technical jargon.

The colour plates illustrate nearly 3000 specimens, depicting all the major forms and morphs of PNG's butterflies, many natural size. The 32 plates of early stages show nearly 400 photographs of eggs, larvae and pupae, as well as some adults photographed in the field and clearly demostrate the diversity of forms these take.

I can thoroughly recommend this book, and although the price is high, it is the result of many years study by an acknowledged expert and will be the standard text on PNG butterflies for years to come. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the first book to cover all of the butterflies known to occur in Pakistan, with every species illustrated by the author. These illustrations include underwing pattern and, where different, both male and female forms. Introductory chapters explain the biology and geographic distribution, as well as present knowledge about the behavior, sensory faculties, and defenses against predators. This book also includes a gazetteer, bibliography, and a glossary of terms. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Much information in a small package at an excellent price
This small book contains a surprising amount of informative material for both the amateur and professional entomologist. It lists the common and scientific names for 240 species of British and European moths and butterflies along with an excellent photograph showing the species in a natural setting. Some of these photographs are particularly good in that they illustrate the insect in its defensive warning colouration or as camouflaged against its background. Included with each species is a brief but detailed description of the species size, distribution, flight times, hibernation stage and caterpillar food plants. It's rare to get this much information so concisely and conveniently organized even in more academically scientific books. Anyone who is seriously interested in moths and butterflies would do well by buying this well-priced and excellent guide. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a comprehensive field guide for Georgia butterflies
This volume is a comprehensive field guide for the butterfly collector interested in the species of Georgia. All species known to occur in the state are listed, as well as all known strays. Resident species are all shown in accompanying photographs, and distribution charts advise the reader as to the location and time of year to search for each species. Includes butterflies and skippers. Review by Bill Cummings ... Read more

Book Description

Hong Kong has a marvelously rich and diverse butterfly fauna, all contained within a relatively small area which can be seen and enjoyed within a few days outing from the central city area. An important part of the southern Chinese region, it is home to a significant proportion of the butterfly species of that part of the world. Two-hundred nineteen butterfly species in five families and 17 subfamilies have been recorded and all are described in this encyclopedic reference. A complete and up-to-date handbook on the identification, systematics, biology and ecology of the butterflies found in Hong Kong, this authoritative book includes keys, full color plates and line drawings identifying males and females, as well as eggs and papae. Throughout the book the emphasis is on the study of live animals, rather than collecting for its own sake. The authors are strong advocates for developing our understanding of butterflies in the field and the growth of our knowledge of their biology, ecology, and conservation.

Key Features:

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Complete and up-to-date handbook of Hong Kong's 219 butterfly species
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Covers identification, systematics, biology and ecology
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Includes color plates and line drawings identifying males and females, as well as eggs and papae

Reviews (2)

Marvellous book
The most comprehensive, informative and wonderful book about butterflies of Hong Kong I have ever seen. It covers all the details you would like to know about Hong Kong butterflies. I recommend this book to those who like to explore the nature.

An outstanding production and contribution
Although this is an expensive book, it simply is the best and most definitive work on butterflies of the region. The standard of presentation is excellent. Descriptions are clear and very informative, with plenty of in text illustrations showing identification characters allowing similar species to be identified - particularly useful for the Hesperiidae. Many species are give full ecological write ups, some reared for the first time. Also included in the core text are photographs of many species taken "in the field" (mostly of good to excellent quality). Short chapters also outline Hong Kong's natural environment. The plates (in two sections: adults and immature stages) are absolutely top quality and show dorsal and ventral wing surfaces, male, female and seasonal forms at life size; the immature plates comprise photos of each stage, where known. A few negatives - local distribution data is already out of date and must be regarded as historical (a sad reflection of Hong Kong's general apathy to its natural resources); the list of contacts is also out of date!

Thoroughly recommended (I'm still saving up for my copy!), a wonderful addition to any butterfly bibliophile's portfolio and a must buy option for anyone interested in the butterflies of South-east and East Asia. ... Read more

Book Description

This compact, easy-to-use identification and field guide is for anyone interested in the butterflies and moths of Britain and Europe.With user-friendly thumbnail outlines of each family group, an authoritative text describing key identification features, and full color photographs illustrating some 195 butterflies and 50 important moth species, this guide is an invaluable aid for anyone who wishes to explore the natural resources of Britain and Europe.This handy reference book makes a wonderful traveling companion for experienced naturalists and a great introduction for beginners and tourists with a casual interest in natural history. ... Read more