Customer Reviews

Butterflies and Moths of the World

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This book is filled with gorgeous, rich photography. Butterflies are enlarged to fill the 9.5"x 11.5" pages. The details are fabulous. Also included are some caterpiller and chrysalis stages. Every butterfly is set on a black background for a stunning effect. A real treasure!

I expected this book to be visually fabulous, and it is -- a blizzard of gorgeous photos of bizarre and amazing butterflies and moths, some so strange and exquisite that I exclaimed aloud as I turned the pages. What I didn't expect was the text, which is lively, authoritative, and chock full of fascinating details. Instead of following the usual format of describing the range, life cycle, food sources, etc., of each specimen, the authors have chosen an unconventional format perfect for those who, like myself, aren't biologists but just want to sample the strange wonder of nature's most beautiful creations. So, for instance, on page 171 we learn of a butterfly that lives in polar Siberia and flies far over ice and snow, a Himalayan butterfly which is the highest flying species in the world, and another species of which the females are completely aquatic! There is also much emphasis on interesting and important geographical and conservation issues. My only minor disappointment is that almost all of the photos are of dead specimens, so instead of getting to see the plump furry abdomens one sees only shriveled husks, but even with this necessary evil the book is a real treasure.

This stunning book features 500 exquisite examples of one of the world's marvels, the elusive butterfly and moth family; set against black backgrounds, the colors and details stand out brilliantly, with many photos enlarged so we can see the intricacy of these miraculous creatures. At the most, there are six photos per page, and many are double page spreads of a single subject. There are detailed descriptions of the species, its environment, what it eats, as well as wonderful bits of informative lepidoptera trivia.

It is divided into five chapters:
"Butterflies and Moths of Africa", which includes the Urania Moth of Madagascar, "considered to be the most beautiful in the world", and the carnivorous Charaxes.
"Butterflies and Moths of Europe", which includes the Blue Lycaenidae, and a story of how certain of the caterpillars of its species are raised by ants, with cooperative feeding habits that are beneficial to both.
"Butterflies and Moths of the Americas". The species from Peru and Brazil are spectacular, and some have designs that remind me of Inca textiles, and wonder if these glorious butterflies were ever a source of inspiration for the weavers of cloth.
"Butterflies and Moths of Asia and the South Seas". Many of these are from New Guinea, and boast deep, rich colors and contrasts.
"Unusual Butterflies and Moths". These have wings that look like leaves or bark, as well as some that have been born with both male and female characteristics, because "genetic accidents can occur in the embrionic stage".
There are also many photos of caterpillars and chrysalis, and the final double page spread of the Eyed Hawkmoth caterpillar is a favorite of mine.

The pages are thick with a satin finish, and included in the back of the book is an index by family, an index of scientific and common names, and a glossary of terms.
Alain Eid is a nature journalist, and Michael Viard has been honored twice by the World Press for his photographic work, and together they have produced a sumptuous volume that will be appreciated by naturalists and butterfly enthusiasts.