Field / Identification Guide
Out of Print
Edited By: Mike Bascombe, Gwyneth Johnston and Frieda Bascombe
422 pages, Col plates, illus, figs
![The Butterflies of Hong Kong]( "The Butterflies of Hong Kong")
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About this book
Contents
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About this book
Comprehensive coverage of identification, systematics, biology and ecology of the marvellously rich and diverse butterfly fauna found in the region. Illustrated with colour plates and line drawings, giving identification details and showing the forms of males and females, eggs and pupae. Introductory sections deal with butterfly biology in general with special reference to the Hong Kong fauna, and the habitats found in the region. Closing chapters detail all the known food plants of many species, their parasitoids and hints on rearing larvae to adults, still a critical means of identifying many larvae. The authors are strong advocates for development of our understanding of butterflies in the field and the growth of our knowledge of their biology, ecology and conservation.
Contents
Introduction and Acknowledgements Preliminary Chapters: Hong Kong Butterflies in Hong Kong The Life Cycle Classification and Nomenclature The Species: Family Hesperiidae Family Papilionidae Family Pieridae Family Lycaenidae Family Nymphalidae Appendices References Index to Butterflies General Index
Customer Reviews
Field / Identification Guide
Out of Print
Edited By: Mike Bascombe, Gwyneth Johnston and Frieda Bascombe
422 pages, Col plates, illus, figs
In the 99 years the British occupied Hong Kong, several books were completed on the butterflies of Hong Kong... Clearly, the current book is the finest and most complete in this long tradition; indeed, it is unquestionably the most thorough treatment for any area of Southeast Asia. The authors have put together a remarkable encyclopedia of what is known for the 219 species occurring in Hong Kong. -- J.B. Heppner, Florida State Collection of Arthropods Quarterly Review of Biology The book provides a detailed ecological and biogeographic discussion of Hong Kong and the surrounding area of southern China; description of the butterfly fauna and habitats; and a superbly illustrated and detailed biology of butterflies ... one of the most comprehensive this reviewer has ever seen. The bulk of the text covers species accounts including detailed description, range, status in south China, habitats, and behavior. Immature stages are described in excellent detail. High-quality line drawings and photomicrographs illustrate particular features useful for identification of closely related species. Most spectacular are the 137 color plates of eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalids, with the entire life cycle illustrated for many species. In addition to being beautifully laid out, it is obvious that a great deal of thought went into the planning of the book and its contents. A model for regional faunal works. Choice It is difficult to imagine a more thorough and comprehensive work within a single cover... It is an object lesson in how a high quality comprehensive monograph can be produced. Starting with acid-free paper, the publishers have done justice to the excellently drawn diagrams, crisp SEM pictures and superb color photographs which illustrate the text. The photographs themselves are not just technically superior, relevant and informative, they are works of art in their own right, composed with obvious skill and care. This must have been a labor of love. In short, this is clearly a standard reference work with the rare quality to inspire as well as to inform. The three authors have collectively devoted over 60 years to this work and they should feel very satisfied with the result. Bulletin of the British Ecological Society
