Butterflies of the World - Outside of a Dog

English language

Published Sept. 2, 2025 by Princeton University Press.

ISBN:: 978-0-691-26710-4

A lavishly illustrated guide to the diversity of the world's butterflies Conspicuous for their beauty, butterflies are one of the most popular and well-studied insects. This book explores the astonishing variety of butterfly species around the world and examines their central role in maintaining a range of delicate ecosystems. Their sensitivity to changes in the environment across their life stages makes them effective indicators for monitoring the health of habitats and populations. The use of a variety of strategies has ensured their survival, such as the ability to shift host plants at different life stages and the colorful wing patterns they use for mimicry, camouflage, and predator deterrence. In this expert guide, the introductory section covers topics ranging from anatomy and evolution to life stages and conservation. A directory of profiles follows, highlighting the remarkable appearance, characteristics, and ecology of notable species. Blending the latest science with breathtaking illustrations, Butterflies …

A lavishly illustrated guide to the diversity of the world's butterflies Conspicuous for their beauty, butterflies are one of the most popular and well-studied insects. This book explores the astonishing variety of butterfly species around the world and examines their central role in maintaining a range of delicate ecosystems. Their sensitivity to changes in the environment across their life stages makes them effective indicators for monitoring the health of habitats and populations. The use of a variety of strategies has ensured their survival, such as the ability to shift host plants at different life stages and the colorful wing patterns they use for mimicry, camouflage, and predator deterrence. In this expert guide, the introductory section covers topics ranging from anatomy and evolution to life stages and conservation. A directory of profiles follows, highlighting the remarkable appearance, characteristics, and ecology of notable species. Blending the latest science with breathtaking illustrations, Butterflies of the World is the premier guide to these exquisite creatures.

More than 200 stunning color photos

Each profile features current taxonomy, a commentary, distribution map, and table of information

Includes examples from every butterfly family and subfamily

2 editions

Soh Kam Yung reviewed Butterflies of the World by Blanca Huertas

A good, general book on butterflies of the world.

4 stars

A fascinating book that looks at the large variety of butterflies that can be found in the world. The family Lepidoptera ('scaled insects') is one of the largest family of insects and this book covers one part of the family: the butterflies. Moths, which actually make up a major part of the family Lepidoptera, are covered in a companion book.

The book starts with a general overview of the butterflies, showing their anatomy, general behaviour and biology. Butterfly caterpillars are 'eating machines' while the adults are 'reproductive machines', a specialisation that has enabled the group to spread out and occupy many ecological niches from the tropics to the polar regions. Some caterpillars are also predators, feeding on aphids. Because butterflies are familiar, 'flashy', and often seen (they are the 'daytime moths'), they have become important as a way to inform the public about wildlife insect conservation.

The book …

A fascinating book that looks at the large variety of butterflies that can be found in the world. The family Lepidoptera ('scaled insects') is one of the largest family of insects and this book covers one part of the family: the butterflies. Moths, which actually make up a major part of the family Lepidoptera, are covered in a companion book.

The book starts with a general overview of the butterflies, showing their anatomy, general behaviour and biology. Butterfly caterpillars are 'eating machines' while the adults are 'reproductive machines', a specialisation that has enabled the group to spread out and occupy many ecological niches from the tropics to the polar regions. Some caterpillars are also predators, feeding on aphids. Because butterflies are familiar, 'flashy', and often seen (they are the 'daytime moths'), they have become important as a way to inform the public about wildlife insect conservation.

The book then proceeds to list down the butterflies, arranged into families and subfamilies, listing down their major features, behaviours, ecology and so on, of each family. Numerous superb photos of the adults are included, showing some butterflies with splendid patterns and colouration.

This book is not the final word on butterflies. Many species, including their life histories, are still not known to science and future genetic studies may rearrange the taxonomic their family. But until the next edition of the book is released, this one is a good, general guide to the butterflies of the world. A list of references is also given for those who wish to know more about butterflies from a specific region of interest.