A World for Butterflies: Their Lives, Behavior and Future [Paperback]

Phillip J. Schappert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 5, 2005

• Chosen by Booklist (American Library Association) as one of the 'Top 10 Sci-Tech Books' in 2000.

Butterflies are the most charismatic species of the insect world. Their brilliant colors, ability to fly, complex behavior, ecological relationships with plants and animals, and their broad distribution in a wide variety of habitats have fascinated people for centuries.

With over 300 color photographs and drawings, A World For Butterflies is a lavishly illustrated guide to the world of butterflies providing a wide range of information about this colorful and graceful insect.

The book is divided into five chapters, each focusing on a major question:

• What are butterflies?
• How many kinds of butterflies are there?
• Where do they live?
• How do they live?
• What can we do to help them survive?

Among the many topics discussed in detail are evolution, life cycle, courtship and reproduction, anatomy, geographic distribution, migration, demography, as well as butterfly-watching.

A World For Butterflies is the first book to feature photographs of butterflies in their natural settings, accompanied by fascinating text, such as:

• Only one or two out of a hundred eggs will survive to become a butterfly
• Strategies to deter predators include false eyespots, heads and bright wings that 'disappear' when folded up
• Butterflies without strong anti-predator scent or taste have evolved to look exactly like those that do.

Accurate, comprehensive, and beautifully illustrated, this is the ultimate guide to the world of butterflies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

STARRED REVIEW: Beautifully illustrated with photos of live butterflies... clear and concise writing style, make this book an absolute must. (Nancy Bent Booklist 20000801)

Impeccably researched ... enjoyable, informative, and indispensable. (Entomological Society of America 20010201)

[Schappert's] lavishly illustrated book provides an introduction to this ephemeral but ubiquitous arthropod. (Nature 20000908)

Condenses an immense amount of scientific information about butterflies into a relatively slim volume of lucid prose and vivid photographs. (Gary Clark Houston Chronicle 20001101)

Stunningly illustrated ... a must for anyone with a fondness for this photogenic insect. (Discover 20001224)

Profusely illustrated, detailed look at the world of butterflies, covering virtually every aspect of the insect. (Lynn Van Matre Chicago Tribune )

About the Author

Phillip Schappert is a charter member of the North American Butterfly Association. He obtained his doctorate in Biology at York University in Toronto and is currently teaching and conducting research in plant/butterfly interactions at the University of Texas in Austin. He is also the editor of the News of the Lepidopterists' Society and of Passiflora, the publication of Passiflora Society International, and has authored a number of magazine articles and scientific papers about butterflies and plants.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (March 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554070651
• ISBN-13: 978-1554070657
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,853,993 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FABULOUS World for Butterflies!, November 28, 2004

By 

Sherry Skipper (Southern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: World for Butterflies (Hardcover)

As an educator and butterfly enthusiast I whole-heartedly recommend this book. Phil Schappert has done an amazing job at providing clear, easy-to-understand information about one of the world's most amazing insects. Remember learning about butterflies when you were a kid (probably learned a lot of incorrect material!)? Well, you will see pictures of what goes on in the butterfly world from this expert. The glossary provides a fabulous list of lep terms-just awesome! No butterfly afficionado should be without this book!