This is a natural history and identification guide to the most significant species, including swallowtails, hairstreaks, yellows, fritillaries, blues, skippers and tiger moths. It is an authoritative world reference to butterflies and moths in a variety of habitats, from rainforests and prairies to dunes and meadows. It is a superbly illustrated introduction gives a detailed insight to the lifecycle and habits of butterflies and moths, as well as an analysis of anatomy, wing structure and flight. It includes a world directory that profiles 600 individual species, with concise information and exquisite, detailed illustrations. It includes 1000 artworks and photographs, detailing characteristic features, wing patterns, genders, seasonal variations and caterpillars. Butterflies and moths captivate nature enthusiasts with their beauty and variety, but in addition to being attractive to watch they are also of huge biological importance. This superb book covers the lifecycle of these creatures, with information on anatomy, feeding, habitats and breeding. It then profiles some of the world's best-loved and intriguing butterflies, moths and skippers, with a geographically-split directory of 600 detailed entries, each containing useful identification summaries and quick-reference panels on distribution, habitat, food and wingspan. With 1000 photographs and exquisite artworks, and with meticulously researched and accessible text, this is the essential companion for butterfly and moth enthusiasts.