Butterfly enthusiasts will delight in the 200 vivid images from across the globe, accompanied by informative and engaging text from preeminent writers in the field.

We can see them fly gracefully from flower to flower with their multi-coloured wings: they are butterflies, the most admired and collected of insects; like bees, they are vital for plant pollination, which is why we have recently started protecting them as their numbers are significantly dwindling. Through this book you will get to know them better, explore their physiology, their defence and reproduction mechanisms and their most noteworthy features, and uncover the secrets behind the complicated patterns and amazing colours that characterize their appearance. We will also focus on the dangers that these wonderful insects face today due to pollution and human intervention that is putting at serious risk the life of a species that we need to protect at any cost, for example by following the instructions at the end of the book that explain how to set out your garden or balcony in order to attract - and help - these most heavenly insects. AGES: 6 plus AUTHOR: Rita Mabel Schiavo Graduated in Biological Sciences, specialising in Natural Sciences at the University of Milan, has a major interest in the fields of herpetology and eco-ethology. She is one of the founding members and directors of ADM -Teaching in Museums Association- and ADMaiora, which both work in education and learning in museums, natural parks, oases and exhibitions.

Adored for their beauty and variety, butterflies and moths captivate nature enthusiasts all over the world. Yet these exquisite insects, which comprise the animal grouping Lepidoptera, are not only attractive to watch but are of immense biological importance. They are both pollinators, and scientific ?indicators? of changing levels of light, heat and availability of food ? meaning that some species are the subject of intense scientific study. Despite challenges posed by shrinking forests and open spaces, many butterflies and moths are adapting well to their changing habitats, proving that ? despite their seemingly fragile appearance ? they are ingeniously equipped to deal with a range of environmental factors. This superb visual resource profiles some of the world's best-loved and most intriguing butterflies, moths and skippers, with a geographically-split directory of 600 detailed entries, each containing useful identification summaries and quick-reference panels on distribution, habitat, food, wingspan and status. The majority of species are realized in exceptional full-colour artworks, from full-body illustrations to drawings depicting detail such as the pattern on the reverse side of the wings, recognizable when the creature is resting, as well as unusual markings and pupae. Butterflies in particular can be immensely variable and some have evolved deceptive (and defensive) physical traits which mean they can become confused with other species. Read, for example, about the sub-Saharan common graphium, which has the power to mimic a poisonous butterfly from another family, or the blood-red glider, immensely valued among collectors for its rich red colour. Some species are well-travelled, such as the familiar coppers whose light-catching wings can be seen in habitats as widespread as Europe, central Asia and China. Others, such as South America's giant swallowtail ? a rainforest species with wings spanning some 250mm/10in ? are being placed under increasing pressure by the collapse of their very specialized habitats. Moths remain mysterious to many people, and are often perceived, at best, as little worthy of attention, or, at worst, as pests. Yet this insect group, which contains both day- and night-fliers, displays unique and varied forms of behaviour that makes them endlessly interesting to observe. With coverage of both day- and night-flying species, the reader can learn all about the colourful cinnabar moth, whose caterpillars turn cannibal during food shortages, or the puss and tiger moths, whose hindwings may suddenly display flashes of ?warning? colour to deter threats. The aptly-named hummingbird hawk moth is a nature lover's favourite for its ability to feed, hovering, at the heads of flowers. Then there are the silk moths ? domesticated by collectors for centuries ? and the skippers, predominantly grassland-dwellers who occupy the evolutionary middle ground between butterflies and moths. A superb photographic reference section covers the life cycle of all of these creatures, with detailed descriptions of internal anatomy and the powerful structure of the wings. There are stunning close-up images of compound eyes and feeding equipment, as well as information on classification and life cycle ? including hibernation habits ? plus evolutionary characteristics such as melanism, camouflage and mimickry. For those who want to get closer, there are tips on how to attract moths and butterflies to your own backyard, the type of species you are likely to see in nearby habitats, and take part in conserving species at local level. With a total of 1000 colour photographs, artworks and maps, and containing meticulously researched and accessible text throughout, this is the essential companion for butterfly and moth enthusiasts everywhere.

This stunning exploration of butterflies from around the world is a companion to My Book of Birds Geraldo Valério grew up in Brazil, watching white butterflies visit the vegetable patch behind his house. As he got older, he learned more about these unique and beautiful insects, which can be found on every continent except Antarctica. In this gorgeous album, Geraldo presents his favorite butterfly species from around the world. Paint and paper collage illustrations show the butterflies in flight, sipping nectar, laying eggs and resting among flowers and foliage. The text provides fascinating information about each species — from familiar Monarchs and Giant Swallowtails, to dazzling Blue Morphos and tiny Snowflakes, from beautifully patterned European Peacocks to endangered Queen Alexandra’s Birdwings. Colorful endpapers, showing the butterflies as caterpillars and chrysalides, complete this beautiful book for budding young naturalists. Includes an introduction, world map, fully illustrated spreads showing a butterfly’s life cycle and body parts, as well as a glossary, index and suggestions for further reading. Key Text Features scientific illustrations introduction further information foreword author's note facts scientific nomenclature scientific illustrations map additional information captions glossary index labels Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.4 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.7 With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the text in which they appear (e.g., what person, place, thing, or idea in the text an illustration depicts).