Butterflies of New Jersey: A Guide to Their Status, Distribution, Conservation, and Appreciation

Butterfly watching has begun to gain the popularity that bird watching has enjoyed for half a century. Much as birds served as a flagship of the conservation movement in this country, butterflies are coming to be seen as the rallying point for the protection of invertebrate species--now regarded as increasingly important  for the well-being of all members of the ecosystem.    

Butterflies of New Jersey discusses the behavior, status, distribution, taxonomy, ecology, and conservation of butterflies in New Jersey. It is an innovative companion and complement to any butterfly identification guide of the Northeast. It pays particular attention to the place of butterflies in the ecosystem of New Jersey and neighboring regions and their relationships to other butterflies around the world. Its detailed species accounts of 140-plus kinds of butterflies found in the state and neighboring regions (out of 700 North American species) alert butterfly watchers to changes in populations over time. Where other butterfly guides typically include a section on collecting butterflies, this one includes a detailed chapter on protecting them by creating butterfly gardens and preventing habitat destruction.     

Butterflies of New Jersey is indispensable for everyone interested in the butterflies and natural history of the Garden State and its neighbor.

Joanna Burger is a behavioral ecologist and ecotoxicologist. Dr. Burger’s research has focused on understanding the human dimensions of environmental assessment, particularly with respect to Department of Energy nuclear legacy sites. She has integrated basic research on the effects of toxic chemicals and environmental disturbances on ecosystems (including eco-receptors and humans), with development of environmental assessment tools and biomonitoring plans, and assessment of human concerns and risk perceptions.