Review
"In the 99 years the British occupied Hong Kong, several books were completed on the butterflies of Hong Kong...clearly, the current book is the finest and most complete in this long tradition; indeed, it is unquestionably the most thorough treatment for any area of Southeast Asia. The authors have put together a remarkable encyclopedia of what is known for the 219 species occurring in Hong Kong."
-J.B. Heppner, Florida State Collection of Arthropods in THE QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY (March 2001)
"The book provides a detailed ecological and biogeographic discussion of Hong Kong and the surrounding area of southern China; description of the butterfly fauna and habitats; and a superbly illustrated and detailed biology of butterflies - one of the most comprehensive this reviewer has ever seen. The bulk of the text covers species accounts including detailed description, range, status in south China, habitats, and behavior. Immature stages are described in excellent detail. High-quality line drawings and photomicrographs illustrate particular features useful for identification of closely related species. Most spectacular are the 137 color plates of eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalids, with the entire life cycle illustrated for many species. In addition to being beautifully laid out, it is obvious that a great deal of thought went into the planning of the book and its contents. A model for regional faunal works."
--CHOICE (December 1999)
"This masterly work has been a very long time in coming. ...has been brought meticulously up-to-date. ...Throughout, one cannot fail to be impressed by the detail, technical scope, and sheer depth of information provided."
-PORCUPINE NEWSLETTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY (November 1999)
"Covers 219 species, a significant proportion of the butterfly species of the southern Chinese region, which can be seen within a few days from the city. Provides information on identification, systematics, biology and ecology and includes keys, full color plates and line drawings identifying males and females, as well as eggs and pupae."
--NEWS OF THE LEPIDOPTERISTS' SOCIETY (Autumn 1999)
"It is difficult to imagine a more thorough and comprehensive work within a single cover. ...it is an object lesson in how a high quality comprehensive monograh can be produced. Starting with acid-free paper, the publishers have done justice to the excellently drawn diagrams, crisp SEM pictures and superb color photographs which illustrate the text. The photographs themselves are not just technically superior, relevant and informative, they are works of art in their own right, composed with obvious skill and care. This must have been a labor of love. In short, this is clearly a standard reference work with the rare quality to inspire as well as to inform. The three authors have collectively devoted over 60 years to this work and they should feel very satisfied with the result."
--BULLETIN OF THE BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY (1999)
"I was happy to see this book. The general informations are more than great and I can seriously recommend these for class use at the university and reference work for the "mature" scientist and anyone interested in butterflies and nature in general. ...May insect conservation benefit from volumes like this. Go, get it!"
-DEUTSCH ENTOMOLOGISTHE ZEITSCHNFT
From the Back Cover
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has a marvellously rich and diverse butterfly fauna, all contained in a relatively small area which can be seen and enjoyed within a 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. Some 219 species in five families and seventeen subfamilies are considered part of the fauna and all are described in this encyclopedic reference. Keys, full colour plates and line drawings of genitalia enable identification of virtually any adult specimen that may be found. In addition there are colour plates of the immature stages of 166 species. A full text describes the biology, morphology and distribution of each species.
Introductory sections deal with butterfly biology in general with special reference to the Hong Kong fauna and the habitats found in the region. Closing chapters detail commonly used nectar sources, known parasitoids and hints on rearing the immature stages to adults, still a critical means of identifying many larvae.
Throughout the book the emphasis is on the study of live animals, rather than collecting for its own sake. Filling study cabinets with pinned specimens can only be a part of the modern study of butterflies, and the authors are strong advocates of development of our understanding of butterflies in the field and the growth of our knowledge of their biology, ecology and conservation.
