500 Butterflies - by Ken Preston-Mafham (Paperback)

About the Book

The perfect introduction to Lepidoptera in all their diversity.

Book Synopsis

This handsome, well-illustrated guide features 514 butterflies from all continents, most of them photographed in their natural environment, sometimes with their caterpillars. Sales of 15,000 copies in hardcover is proof of its value.

The butterflies are organized by genus, species and subspecies, and described in authoritative text including personal observations in the wild. Each entry is cross-referenced to the index and glossary.

The description of each butterfly includes detailed information on:

• Natural history
• Habitat and distribution
• Form
• Behavior
• Food and feeding
• Species variations and taxonomy
• Reproduction
• Survival.

This beautiful book is a joy for the pictures alone, and it is also very informative and reveals the author's passion for this subject. This is a concise and attractive introduction to these fascinating insects and a useful resource for butterfly enthusiasts and naturalists of all ages.

Review Quotes

[Review of hardcover edition: ] Color photographs of butterflies, often in their natural habitats, are paired with brief descriptions and data.--Mary Ellen Quinn "Booklist" (5/15/2008 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of hardcover edition: ] Colorful and diverse...this concise guide is a fine introduction for the novice observer and an enjoyable read for lepidopterists.--Elizabeth Cuje "Phoenix Home and Garden" (1/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of hardcover edition: ] Preston-Mafham tells us that there are 20,000 species of butterflies all over the world, give or take a few thousand, and 500 -- 514 to be exact -- are shown here in photographs, listed neatly by family, along with range, principal food plant, wingspan, and scientific name.--A. W. Allworthy "The Folio (RALPH)" (7/1/2008 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of hardcover edition: ] Readers will enjoy reading about commonplace and unique butterflies from around the world... a handy book to use in field trips or butterfly gardening.--Jodi DeLong "The Chronicle Herald (Halifax)" (12/9/2007 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of hardcover edition: ] The color photographs are beautiful and the text is concise. This fascinating little book is hard to put down.--Art Lander, Jr. "Lexington Herald-Leader" (11/25/2007 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of hardcover edition: ] The ultimate book for butterfly lovers. Fascinating to compare our Canaidna butterflies with butterflies on other continents.--Lois Cooper "Muskoka Today" (12/18/2007 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Ken Preston-Mafham is a photographer, naturalist, authority on Lepidoptera, and the author of many books on natural history.