The systematic list gives details of localities, dates and provenance for over 1500 species, also noting the status currently assigned by English Nature to the nationally uncommon or endangered species which occur in Cornwall. The records are separated under the four headings, Victoria County History (VCH), Isles of Scilly (IoS), and the two mainland vice-counties (VC1 and VC2). A section describes relevant aspects of the subject, namely: Climate & Weather, Geology, Landscape, Lepidoptera (losses and gains), Acid Rain, Migration, Distribution and Conservation. The first two of seven Appendices list the species gained since the Victoria County History, 1906, and those not since recorded. The further Appendices are: a key to the initials of recorders; plant names, Latin to English; Ordnance Survey Map references to about 800 localities mentioned in the text; a list of about 500 references to published material; and biographical notes concerning 36 contributors, now deceased. Three maps refer respectively to Geology, Protected Countryside and Topography. The book is illustrated with 132 colour photographs of living insects or their early stages, and 20 of various sites and habitats.