Vane-Wright is perhaps uniquely qualified to synthesize and distill to a readable essence the vast literature on the natural history, ecology, and evolution of the world's 20,000 or so species of butterflies. This book is a second edition of one published by the Natural History Museum in 2003, but Vane-Wright has revised the text to include breaking news, such as the origin of the 'moth' family Hedylidae from within butterflies, according to recent DNA-based phylogenetic studies. He also frankly highlights areas where our knowledge is still lacking, perhaps a source of inspiration for a new generation of butterfly biologists.
Andrew V. Z. Brower
The Quarterly Review of Biology
This colorful book is a fascinating introduction to the complex world of the butterfly. If you want to learn about false eyes or false heads, mimicry and mockers, adaption and evolution, it's all here. Once you’ve read this book, even the cabbage white will never look the same again.
New Scientist
For those who wish to delve deeper into the origins, life-cycles and general natural history of these beautiful insects, this book offers a suitable opportunity. In addition to revealing a wealth of information about the subject, it is a delight to handle with a superb selection of first-rate photographs... offering a superbly illustrated insight into the world of these... insects.
The London Naturalist