The Larger Moths of Scotland

The title of this book perhaps includes a pun as the book does not merely cover LARGER moths but the book itself is a larger format than is generally offered nowadays. In consequence, it is a joy to read, entirely free from minuscule print & also entirely illustrated – not with the ubiquitous drawings of splayed moths but with full-colour photographs of live moths (&; the occasional caterpillar) against natural backgrounds. It is a comprehensive guide to the moth species found in Scotland, many (if not most) of which also occur elsewhere in the UK. In fact, it is a book which should find a valued placed on the bookshelves of anyone with more than a passing interest in moths, not to mention the wildlife of Scotland. Each moth is given its traditional common name (lepidopterists have a long tradition of awarding delightfully descriptive names to moths) along with its formal scientific name. Who could fail to appreciate the charms of a moth long known as the Flounced Rustic? Or the Merveille du Jour? Each entry also has a distribution map; flight chart; notes of wildlife interest; population size trend & issues of identification. All are displayed in a highly readable format, alongside stunning full-colour photographs, very many of which are those of Roy Leverton, co-author with Mark Cubitt & also author of the fascinating book Enjoying Moths. Roy Leverton has long been an ardent believer in the necessity to photograph moths in their natural habitats. Altogether, The Larger Moths of Scotland is an unusual & excellent book for anyone at all interested in moths.