"Moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) are one of the most diverse and economically important groups of insects, with approximately 157,000 species worldwide. This book establishes a definitive list of the species that occur in BC, and clarifies erroneous records in past works. It provides a knowledge baseline that will be useful to resource and conservation managers, biodiversity researchers, taxonomists, amateur collectors, and naturalists."--Back cover.

Butterflies are found everywhere in British Columbia. Written for butterfly watchers, butterfly gardeners, naturalists, and biologists, Butterflies of British Columbia will provide years of enjoyment for the butterfly enthusiast. The Butterflies of British Columbia � provides the most complete coverage of species and subspecies of any North American regional or continental butterfly book � covers 187 species and 264 subspecies of butterflies, as well as 9 additional hypothetical species � provides descriptions of identifying features, immature stages, larval foodplants, biology and life history, range and habitat, and conservation status for each species � describes 11 new subspecies � includes introductory chapters covering the history, zoogeography, conservation, morphology, ecology, and biology of butterflies in BC and adjacent areas � is lavishly illustrated with over 1,200 colour photographs and over 200 distribution maps � includes a glossary of butterfly terms and a bibliography of over 750 citations.