The Wild Silk Moths of North America: A Natural History of the Saturniidae of the United States and Canada (Cornell Series in Arthropod Biology) [Hardcover]

Paul M. Tuskes (Author), Michael M. Collins (Author), James P. Tuttle (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

An entomologist (Tuskes), collector (James P. Tuttle), and zoologist (Michael M. Collins), all having a common interest in wild silk moths (family Saturniidae) have combined their expertise to write this new reference on saturniid moths. There are about 1200 species worldwide; this work covers the approximately 70 species found in North America north of Mexico, and also several subspecies. Included are the familiar luna and cecropia moths and other large and showy species sought by collectors. Each species entry provides some general comments and discusses distribution, adult description and biology, immature stages of the moth, and rearing. The species accounts are preceded by several chapters on saturniid life history, parasites, populations, collecting, rearing, and silk moths and human culture. This illustrated and clearly written reference will appeal to lepidopterists, naturalists, students, and serious amateur collectors who have a basic knowledge of biology. Recommended for academic and research libraries.
William H. Wiese, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Cornell University Press (January 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801431301
• ISBN-13: 978-0801431302
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,004,391 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most comprehensive book to date on N.A Saturniidae!, March 24, 1999

By 

Scott Smith [e-mail] (Utah,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wild Silk Moths of North America: A Natural History of the Saturniidae of the United States and Canada (Cornell Series in Arthropod Biology) (Hardcover)

Very impressive coverage on the Wilk Silk Moths of Noth America. Most known species are shown in exellent photographs,some in the larval stages also. Good range maps and detailed text make this the laymans best friend when exploring and learning about the habitats and life histories of some of our most magnificent moth species. The best book I've seen on the subject period!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive details of each moth's life cycle. Easy to read., November 13, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wild Silk Moths of North America: A Natural History of the Saturniidae of the United States and Canada (Cornell Series in Arthropod Biology) (Hardcover)

For each moth there is a color picture of last instar caterpillar and one or more pictures of the moth. There is also a range map and detailed descriptions of each stage of the life cycle with notes on rearing.
This is a well-written, well-researched, easy to read book. I would recommend it to anyone interested in these largest and showiest of the U.S. moths.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Moth Guide, April 13, 2001

By 

Kyle Roberts "Entomologist in training" (Muncie, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wild Silk Moths of North America: A Natural History of the Saturniidae of the United States and Canada (Cornell Series in Arthropod Biology) (Hardcover)

I have been looking for a guide like this for years. This book shows great pictures of all the bigger moths of North America including their caterpillars. Loaded with maps and drawings of the cocoons this book is a must have. Don't let the price scare you away.