Butterflies Worth Knowing

This work provides a naturalist's guide to the common butterflies of eastern North America, emphasizing life histories and their relations to habitat. An introductory section covers metamorphosis, distinctions from moths, seasonal dormancy and migration, coloration, mimicry, scents, parasitism, and practical techniques for rearing, photographing, and collecting. The central portion gives systematic accounts of the major butterfly families and tribes—swallowtails, whites and sulphurs, fritillaries, angle-wings, monarchs and milkweed butterflies, hairstreaks, coppers, blues, and skippers—describing adults, caterpillars, and typical habitats. Numerous color plates, stage illustrations, and photographs support identification and encourage field observation.