Butterflies: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behaviour

In Butterflies leading expert Dick Vane-Wright provides a complete introduction to the biology, natural history and classification of this major animal group. With their beautiful wing patterns and colours butterflies immediately catch our attention. Of all creatures, they exemplify metamorphosis with the creeping caterpillar transforming into a soaring butterfly. But they have also come to be creatures of science, revealing much to biologists about evolution and the ecological processes and historical accidents that have generated the diversity of life on Earth. Using examples from around the world and eye-catching photographs, this accessible guide explores what it means to be a butterfly, from how the yellow birdwing finds a mate to why the African gaudy commodores produce adults of different colours. Fully revised and updated with new photographs and the latest reserach, this reformatted edition offers an overview of the biology and diversity of the major group of day-flying Lepidoptera.

Dick Vane-Wright is a specialist on the taxonomy, evolution and classification of butterflies. He worked at the Natural History Museum for over 40 years, becoming Head of the Department of Entomology, and continuesto try to bring a love of these enchanting insects to a wider audience.