If you are a bird watcher, (and one of every seven of us is), you already have the knowledge, equipment, and the opportunity to also observe butterflies. You know different seasons and different habitats have different species. You must be in the right place at the right time to see the particular species you are hunting. You may take photographs or may just use binoculars, but you probably compile a "Life List" of the species you find. This book is intended to help you and the amateur butterflier to find and identify the various species of Minnesota butterflies. It also is a journal for you to write in your observations of species found, dates, locations, weather conditions, habitat types, or any other interesting observations (a "Life List" with detail). Many People are enjoying the new activity of butterfly gardening, This is great. I strongly encourage it. But please don't be deceived into thinking all butterflies will come. Many resident and migrant butterflies will be attracted to gardens, but some are so habitat specific they won't cross a road and thus cannot be attracted. To see these, you must go hunt for them. I try to identify these for you in this book and help you find them if you are willing to hunt for them.

The most recognized butterfly in the world, the Monarch, is the state insect of Minnesota but it is only one of the many varieties you will find there. Minnesota Butterflies and Moths offers beautifully detailed illustrations highlighting over 70 familiar species of butterflies and moths. This pocket-sized folding guide is sure to please both the

Pollinators in Minnesota include bats, bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, and beetles. These beneficial species are both beautiful to observe and critical to the preservation of the state's diverse eco-system and agriculture. This portable folding guide includes illustrations and descriptions of 140 species and a back-panel map featuring some of the state's top nature viewing hot spots. A handy field reference and perfect take-along guide for visitors and nature enthusiasts of all ages.

In this “deeply personal and lyrical book” (Publishers Weekly) from the New York Times bestselling author of The Horse, Wendy Williams explores the lives of one of the world’s most resilient creatures—the butterfly—shedding light on the role that they play in our ecosystem and in our human lives. “[A] glorious and exuberant celebration of these biological flying machines…Williams takes us on a humorous and beautifully crafted journey” (The Washington Post). From butterfly gardens to zoo exhibits, these “flying flowers” are one of the few insects we’ve encouraged to infiltrate our lives. Yet, what has drawn us to these creatures in the first place? And what are their lives really like? In this “entertaining look at ‘the world’s favorite insect’” (Booklist, starred review), New York Times bestselling author and science journalist Wendy Williams reveals the inner lives of these delicate creatures, who are far more intelligent and tougher than we give them credit for. Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year from Canada to Mexico. Other species have learned how to fool ants into taking care of them. Butterflies’ scales are inspiring researchers to create new life-saving medical technology. Williams takes readers to butterfly habitats across the globe and introduces us to not only various species, but “digs deeply into the lives of both butterflies and [the] scientists” (Science magazine) who have spent decades studying them. Coupled with years of research and knowledge gained from experts in the field, this accessible “butterfly biography” explores the ancient partnership between these special creatures and humans, and why they continue to fascinate us today. “Informative, thought-provoking,” (BookPage, starred review) and extremely profound, The Language of Butterflies is a “fascinating book [that] will be of interest to anyone who has ever admired a butterfly, and anyone who cares about preserving these stunning creatures” (Library Journal).

A remarkable look at the rarest butterflies, how global changes threaten their existence, and how we can bring them back from near-extinction Most of us have heard of such popular butterflies as the Monarch or Painted Lady. But what about the Fender’s Blue? Or the St. Francis’ Satyr? Because of their extreme rarity, these butterflies are not well-known, yet they are remarkable species with important lessons to teach us. The Last Butterflies spotlights the rarest of these creatures—some numbering no more than what can be held in one hand. Drawing from his own first-hand experiences, Nick Haddad explores the challenges of tracking these vanishing butterflies, why they are disappearing, and why they are worth saving. He also provides startling insights into the effects of human activity and environmental change on the planet’s biodiversity. Weaving a vivid and personal narrative with ideas from ecology and conservation, Haddad illustrates the race against time to reverse the decline of six butterfly species. Many scientists mistakenly assume we fully understand butterflies’ natural histories. Yet, as with the Large Blue in England, we too often know too little and the conservation consequences are dire. Haddad argues that a hands-off approach is not effective and that in many instances, like for the Fender’s Blue and Bay Checkerspot, active and aggressive management is necessary. With deliberate conservation, rare butterflies can coexist with people, inhabit urban fringes, and, in the case of the St. Francis’ Satyr, even reside on bomb ranges and military land. Haddad shows that through the efforts to protect and restore butterflies, we might learn how to successfully confront conservation issues for all animals and plants. A moving account of extinction, recovery, and hope, The Last Butterflies demonstrates the great value of these beautiful insects to science, conservation, and people.