Butterflies of North America

This attractive book was written by the author of the excellent Butterflies through Binoculars (CH, Dec'93, 31-2096). As such, this reviewer expected it to be beautifully produced, and he was not disappointed. The photos are exceptional and larger (numerous full-page portraits) than those in the earlier volume. The two works are clearly written for different audiences. While Butterflies through Binoculars enables identification of butterflies to species, in this new offering, Glassberg (editor, American Butterflies) aims at identification at a "species group" level. For instance, should one encounter a sulphur butterfly, the book includes illustrations of only 3, although the text states that 12 species occur in North America. Information includes identification notes (group recognition), habitat preference, larval and adult food preferences, abundance, and comments on attracting butterflies to one's own backyard garden. One range map is provided for each group. Most common butterflies are pictured; thus, one can identify many species. For complex groups, such as skippers or checkerspots, the reader will have to look elsewhere for assistance at the species level. High photo quality, limited coverage, and general lack of technical jargon will make this a perfect book for the budding butterfly enthusiast of any age. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General audiences. P. K. Lago University of Mississippi

Richly illustrated guides to wildlife prove popular in most general reference collections. Authored by subject experts, Butterflies of North America is aimed at a nonspecialist audience. Notable for exceptional large-scale color photographs, it focuses on species found in the continental U.S. Color range maps augment each two-page entry. The volume includes a subject index and a brief bibliography. Butterflies of North America centers on the identification of groups rather than individual species of butterflies. Introductory material informs the novice naturalist on topics including selecting binoculars, finding and identifying butterflies, planting gardens to attract butterflies, and understanding butterfly biology. The taxonomically arranged entries provide information on number of species, length of forewing, identifying characteristics, home range, food of caterpillars, food of adults, gardening suggestions, and abundance as well as a range map. Appendixes include a listing of scientific names of plants and butterflies. Butterflies of North America merits inclusion in libraries providing basic books designed to appeal to the student and lay reader. It is intended as an introductory work, and more comprehensive guides may be needed to identify unusual species.--Cannon, Nancy Copyright 2010 Booklist