Life Histories Of The South African Lycaenid Butterflies

Butterflies of the Kruger National Park and Surrounds enables identification of these colourful creatures and hopes to promote general interest in the natural world. A lavish and fascinating introduction raises topics such as classification of Lepidoptera, butterfly behavior, names, biology and life cycle, flower adaptations, larval host plants, etc. Each family is first described, then the subfamily, followed by the genus and finally the species. Each of the known KNP butterfly species is dealt with on its own page, with its common and scientific names, life history, etymology and larval host plants. On the opposite page is a gallery of photographs of the butterfly in its environment, often complemented with life cycle and larval host plant photographs. A distribution map is provided for each butterfly species, with red dots indicating KNP rest camps where the butterfly is found, and a pie chart showing the butterfly’s status – how rare or how common it is.

A beautifully illustrated introduction to the lives of butterflies around the world There are more than fifteen thousand butterfly species in the world, fluttering through a wide variety of habitats. Bright and beautiful, butterflies also have fascinating life histories and play an important role in our planet’s ecosystems. The Lives of Butterflies showcases the extraordinary range of colors and patterns of the world’s butterflies while exploring their life histories, behavior, habitats and resources, populations, seasonality, defense and natural enemies, and threats and conservation. With remarkable photography, graphic illustration, and profiles of thirty-five selected species, this comprehensive and inviting book discusses dozens of key topics, including eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalids; flight, feeding, courtship, and mating; migration and hibernation; concealment, mimicry, and predators; habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, and pesticides; and farming and gardening to support and attract butterflies. With its stunning illustrations and clear, up-to-date, and authoritative text, The Lives of Butterflies will appeal to a wide range of butterfly and nature lovers.

This spectacular new edition of Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa is the only guide to cover all 671 butterfly species that occur in South Africa. Fully revised and expanded, it includes notes on size, identification, habitat, flight periods and larval food sources, plus notes on mimicry, plus accurate maps. More than 2,000 photographs fully showcase the region's diverse butterfly fauna, with full-colour images of male and female forms (where different) and of upper- and undersides (where possible) on pages facing the species entries, for easy reference. Designed for easy identification and optimal use in the field, this guide is an invaluable resource for any visiting naturalist or tourist to the country.

"What’s that Butterfly? makes identifying butterflies easy! Designed with the beginner in mind, the book arrnages butterflies into groups that have broadly similar appearance and habits, including groups that are difficult to identify and those that are particularly hard to track down. Readers are encouraged to become familiar with the group before trying to identify individual species. Interesting fact boxes complement the text, and attractive colour photographs illustrate each species’ appearance. A comprehensive intro duction covers common behaviour, habits and habitats of South African butterflies, as well as their life history, where and how to find them, and butterfly rearing and breeding. On its own, or in combination with a field guide, What’s that Butterfly? is a colourful, user-friendly handbook and an inspiring introduction to the butterflies of the region."