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A lepidopterists delight. A full colour, large-scale tome on butterflies, for once showing live specimens as opposed to the collected corpses so normally seen. Both photographer Paul Starosta and author Jean-Pierre Vesco are qualified in biology, entomology, ecology and biochemistry thus providing a professional look at a subject that appeals to both lepidopterists and general readers alike. Easy to read, it is full of fascinating facts such as the plague proportions of Hylesis metabus causing curfews in Guyana, the poisonous spines and irritant hairs which proliferate as defence mechanisms and the well-known mimicry of their surroundings. An absorbing read as much as a visual feast, the piece de resistance is the series of photographs depicting the detailed development from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, painstakingly shot by Paul Starosta. This alone should ensure its popularity with butterfly lovers and is an education in itself of these trans-global, wondrous creatures which grace us with their presence for such a short period of time each year. - Lucy Watson

Part 1 Natural history and development of butterflies. Part 2 Living butterflies. Part 3 Brief biography of most common species.