cover image BUTTERFLIES OF NORTH AMERICA

BUTTERFLIES OF NORTH AMERICA

Kenn Kaufman, Jim P. Brock, . . Houghton Mifflin, $22 (384pp) ISBN 978-0-618-25400-2

From its durable, flexible cover to its color-coordinated index, this field guide will serve as an excellent identification resource for experienced and novice lepidopterists. Kaufman (Kingbird Highway) provides butterfly watchers with more than 2,200 digitally edited photographs and an easy-to-use species index—a format that defines the Kaufman Focus Guides. The photographs have been gleaned from scores of skilled nature photographers. Co-author Brock (Butterflies of Southeastern Arizona) brings more than 30 years of butterfly watching around the world to the informative, non-technical writing in the book. The readable capsule narratives are enhanced by the startling clear color images, which make identification of species much easier. The guide offers images of larval (caterpillar) stage butterflies along with details on feeding preferences of butterflies in their different stages of development. It also gives migratory information on these delicate and beautiful creatures. The book ranges geographically from the lower 48 states through Canada and Alaska, with maps provided for all butterflies depicted. These maps also indicate both common and rare species, along with seasonally occurring butterflies. This book will appeal to bird watchers, hikers, gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts. (Mar.)