Opening with an introduction to butterflies, including life- cycles, habitats and behaviour, this indispensable handbook continues with an identification guide comparing all 60 species. The illustrations by Richard Lewington show both male and female upper and lower wings, with all distinguishing features clearly labelled.
Each species article contains a detailed account of the butterfly's distinguishing features, a description of its immature stages, habitat and behaviour, and its distribution and status. The text is accompanied by a colour photograph and life-cycle diagram that illustrates the caterpillar, egg and chrysalis and how each appears in the field - a unique and invaluable feature of this guide.
Revised edition of the author's Hamlyn Guide, published in 1986.
The author, Jeremy Thomas, is former Head of Site at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Dorset and is widely recognized as one the UK's leading experts on butterflies.