Description

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This beautifully illustrated book offers a comprehensive guide to the more than six hundred butterfly species/subspecies found in the West Indies and southern Florida. Beginning with an historical overview which surveys possible origins, the size of island faunas, and conservation problems, the book proceeds to individual descriptions of each butterfly, from family to sub-species. Descriptions highlight each species' range, West Indian distribution (including numerous new island records), key identification features, observations on habitat choice and field behavior, and life history information. A taxonomic checklist, a list of plant genera families used as larval foodplants, an extensive bibliography, and a helpful index are also included. The book features the exquisite illustrations of Richard Lewington, all of which are presented in full color, many for the first time. Professional and amateur lepidopterists, zoologists, biogeographers, and natural historians will want this book for their libraries.