Book Description
Every bright monarch butterfly or striking luna moth started out in a far subtler form of nature's mosaic, a humble caterpillar. It is this early stage of life--crafted by natural selection into machines for converting a vast array of plant matter, mostly leaves, into the beautiful adults that have captivated humans for millennia--that this book brings to dazzling light. Unobtrusive as they go about their business, these caterpillars are rarely seen by humans--and are virtually never seen from the perspective presented in this sumptuous volume: photographed in extreme close-ups at a resolution that captures in sharp detail the exquisite colors and features eluding the casual observer.
Gathered by biologists Daniel Janzen, Winifred Hallwachs, and Jeffrey Miller in the tropical dry forests, cloud forests, and rain forests of northwestern Costa Rica, over 100 large-format photographs of caterpillars document the dizzying variety of shapes, vivid colors, and cryptic markings among these species. The pictures are accompanied by capsule species accounts--revealing life histories as diverse as their forms--and magnificent images of the adult butterfly or moth. Throughout, the authors convey an intimate sense of these creatures--studied over twenty-five years--by focusing on how their features figure in their behavior and ecology, and on the beauty of nature in this life stage, as well as the nature of that beauty.
The story of the caterpillars is also the success story of Area de Conservacion Guanacaste--where the long-term work of Janzen and Hallwachs, and a team of gusaneros (caterpillar collectors and rearers), along with the participation of neighboring farming communities, has deepened understanding of Costa Rica's Lepidoptera and has brought about advances in restoration ecology of tropical habitats, biodiversity prospecting, biological control of pests, biotechnology, residents' bioliteracy, and ecotourism development.
Customer Reviews:
Wondrous.......2007-01-12
100 Caterpillars is an excellent and usual book: Few other books feature macro close-ups of caterpillars in such exquisite detail. The caterpillars in this book--small creatures with outrageous and subtle majesty--challenge the notion that one must transform into a butterfly to be beautiful.
There is an extravagance of evolution on each page; one caterpillar which looks like it's made of ice took my breath away, another that inflates when threatened to very convincingly imitate the head of a venomous snake made me laugh with delight. What a strange and wonderful world we live in. This book on your table can always remind you of that.
Pleased and also very disappointed.......2006-08-15
I looked forward to receiving this book and the caterpillar photos are beyond compare except for a couple that are too dark. For those who have raised caterpillars and been interested in them these photos are magnificant.
The disappointment came when I turned to see what butterfly or moth this caterpillar became after pupation. To my great disappointment I found they had printed the pictures on a black background. Why anyone would do this is beyond my ability to understand. You can barely see the butterfly or moth in many instances and the body is completley invisible on several. What a huge disaappointment!!
The text with the pictures of the butterflies and moths is in many instances quite technical and expects you to have some background in parasites and other problems caterpillares experience as they go throught their various instars.
I was also disappointed in them showing a parasitized caterpillar and unless you read the text you would not realize what you were seeing.
Some of the caterpillare pictures were very interesting - for the example the caterpillar that is somewhat transparent and the caterpillar that has gobs of gooey sticky stuff on it that comes off when you touch it.
All in all I liked the book but it was a crime to show the moths and butterflies on a black background. I would really have liked to see the picture of the butterfly or moth WITH the picture of the caterpillar.
Even with the above critism I am still glad I got the book.
The Beautiful Caterpillars.......2006-05-30
This book will change the way you feel about caterpillars. It transforms them from ugly pests into objects of beauty and of intellectual fascination. Based on more than twenty-five years of field research in the tropics by Janzen and Hallwachs and their assistants, it contains not only magnificent photos but also a wealth of information on the behavior and ecology of the species represented. It is at the same time a wonderful coffee table book and a great naturaly history read. In sum, I loved this book, and intend to give it as Christmas presents to all of my nature-loving friends.
Don't Forget the Larvae.......2006-05-24
We don't generally like insects much, remembering how they sting, sicken, or impoverish us, and forgetting that they do us invaluable service in the reproduction of new generations of countless plant species. We do like butterflies because they are so beautiful and harmless, but we do not like caterpillars because they are squirmy and eat our plants. There are countless books featuring pictures of beautiful butterflies and moths, but few featuring the larval forms of the insect. A look at _100 Caterpillars: Portraits from the Tropical Forests of Costa Rica_ (The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press) by Jeffrey C. Miller, Daniel H. Janzen, and Winifred Hallwachs shows that the emphasis on the flying forms may be misplaced. The gorgeous, large-format pictures here show all the colors of which adult butterflies can boast, plus an enormous variation in patterns, spikes, hairs, body plans, and more. Indeed, after the hundred photographs, there is a section of the book devoted to detailed descriptions of the behavior and ecology of each caterpillar, and for each there is a small picture of the adult into which it will grow. Almost all the adults are more drab and less interesting than their larvae.
Caterpillars exist to perform two duties, eating and avoiding being eaten. The pictures seldom show the caterpillars feeding, but frequently show the defensive structures that keep others from feeding upon them. There are many caterpillars here with hairs or "urticating spines", filled with an irritant that can cause sharp pain. So watch out for the spines, although you never have to worry about a bite; caterpillars never evolved a venomous bite, so you can let even the spined ones walk over you. The wonderful _Acraga hamata_ looks as if it is covered in a mosaic of transparent glass beads; this is gelatinous material that breaks away if the caterpillar is grabbed. Several of the specimens here are hard to see because they look just like a torn leaf or a branch or a mat of fungus. For mimicry, there is nothing to beat _Hemeroplanes triptolemus_, an undistinguished drab green caterpillar when at rest. When disturbed, however, it raises and inflates its hind end, which takes on the appearance of a viper's head, complete with eyes, mouth, and nose spots. It holds still in this position, but if further provoked, can even make the viper's head strike at the offending predator, although there is no threat of a bite. The authors say that even if you know that, it is hard to keep from withdrawing your hand in shock if you are performing the experiment yourself.
This beautiful book includes pictures of the "Area de Conservación Guanacaste", the World Heritage Site that contains the forest from which these specimens come, and also pictures of the locals who work as collectors, and the barn where bags of specimen caterpillars feed and develop. There are also descriptions of the equipment used to make these spectacular photos, and recommendations for how others can do the same. The authors include a commendable section about ethics concerning the handling of the little creatures that they obviously admire and love: you must not anesthetize or chill the caterpillar as a means to force quiescence, and you must not tease the caterpillar excessively: "it will respond negatively, either by curling up for hours on end, fainting and falling off the prop, breaking into a running bout, or worse, spitting up gut contents." Words to live by.
Book Description
This fact-filled, colorful look at the amazing world of butterflies includes a call to action to protect these beautiful insects. MELISSA STEWART SHARES shares with young readers the basic facts about butterflies, including how they transform from caterpillar to butterfly, where they live, what they eat, and how they benefit plants and animals. Sidebars throughout the book contain information on human action that has harmed butterflies in the past and the many ways people can protect certain butterfly populations, such as by preserving forests and meadows and cutting down on pesticide use. Also included are pointers on how youngsters can help butterflies in their own neighborhood. Stewart reminds children of the interconnectedness of our world and shows how the actions of one species can inadvertently harm another. Bond's realistically detailed watercolor illustrations highlight the diversity of the species, from the Schaus swallowtail butterflies in southern Florida to the endangered Mitchell's satyrs.
Customer Reviews:
Written to instill love and appreciation for these marvelous insects.......2006-08-13
Award-winning children's book author Melissa Stewart presents A Place For Butterflies, a picturebook beautifully illustrated by Higgins Bond with realistic, full-color art of butterfly species and the lush natural environments they inhabit. Each two-page spread features a couple sentences about butterflies, a sidebar about a specific butterfly species, and artwork of a typical home for that species ranging from forests to lush open fields. A Place For Butterflies is written to instill love and appreciation for these marvelous insects, and a final section about helping butterflies warns against catching or keeping them, or spraying chemicals that could harm them.
More than just about butterflies.......2006-04-02
Our daughter loves this book! She started to read it because she was interested in butterflies, but the text not only discusses butterflies, it explains how they have an enormous impact on other living things. As a result, the young reader comes away with a deep understanding of how the natural world works. The book is about more than just butterflies. The illustrations are also excellent. I highly recommend it.
Book Description
Contributors: Sonia M. Altizer, Emory University Xiomara Mora Alvarez, Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve David Bennett, University of Iowa Jane Borland, Lamar High School, Arlington, TX Walter Bremer, ASLA, Cal Poly State University Lincoln P. Brower, Sweet Briar College William H. Calvert, Independent Monarch Biologist Thomas William Crumpton III, Baylor University Andy Davis, Emory University Johannes Feddema, University of Kansas Concha Fernandez del Ray, Breck School, Minneapolis, MN Dan Feuerstein, California Polytechnic State University Miguel Franco, University of Plymouth Dennis Frey, California Polytechnic State University Eligio García-Serrano, Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Mark S. Garland, New Jersey Audubon Society, Cape May Bird Observatory, Northwood Center Kari A. Geurts, University of Minnesota Liz Goehring, Pennsylvania State University Tammi Hoevenaar, Western Michigan University Elizabeth Howard, Journey North Laura C. H. Jesse, Iowa State University Carol C. Johnson, John Jay High School, San Antonio, TX Andrés F. Keiman, Instituto de Ecología, UNAM Dave Kust, Breck School, Minneapolis, MN Katherine Kust, Woodland Elementary School, Brooklyn Park, MN Kingston L. H. Leong, California Polytechnic State University Stephen B. Malcolm, Western Michigan University Jacob Miller, Breck School, Minneapolis, MN Monica Missrie, University of Minnesota Karen S. Oberhauser, University of Minnesota John J. Obrycki, Iowa State University Karen Pape, Breck School, Minneapolis, MN Sandra Perez, University of Texas at El Paso Michelle D. Prysby, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Linda S. Rayor, Cornell University Eduardo Rendon-Salinas, Instituto de Ecología, UNAM Jaime Lobato Reyes, Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Wayne A. Rochester, The University of Queensland Walter H. Sakai, Santa Monica College Andrew Schaffner, California Polytechnic State University Jason Shields Michelle J. Solensky, University of Minnesota O.R. "Chip" Taylor, University of Kansas Markisha Thomas, John Jay High School, San Antonio, TX Gwen Yoshimura Myron P. Zalucki, The University of Queensland
The knowledge of citizen scientists, biologists, and naturalists informs this book's coverage of every aspect of the monarch butterfly's life cycle (breeding, migration, and overwintering) from the perspective of every established monarch population (western North American, eastern North American, and Australian). In addition to presenting the most recent basic research on this species, The Monarch Butterfly contains the first publication of data compiled from two established citizen science projects, Journey North and the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project. It also reports for the first time on two major events of long-term importance to monarch conservation and biology: the creation of a larger protected area in the Mexican overwintering sites and a weather-related mortality event during the winter of 2002. Monarch butterflies are arguably the most recognized, studied, and loved of all insects, and the attention that scientists and the general public have paid to this species has increased both our understanding of the natural world and our concern about preserving it. The unique combination of basic research, background information, and conservation applications makes this book a valuable resource for ecologists, entomologists, naturalists, and teachers.
Customer Reviews:
NOT A COFFE TABLE BOOK - GREAT STUFF HERE.......2006-10-12
Dispite the pretty cover to this work, this is not a "coffee table book" about pretty butterflys. This is an indepth collection of scientific articles addressing all aspects of the Monarch Butterfly. Sections include Breeding Biology, Migration Biology, Overwintering Biology and Integrated Biology. The collection of articles and monographs is very extensive and very technical. The reader should be warned that this is in no way a light read. On the other hand, if you want information on the monarch Butterfly, I cannot think of a single volume which will deliver more information that you have here. Recommend this speciality book quite highly. It is well worth the price.
Average customer rating:
- Highly Recommended-- Fills a Great Need
- A World for Butterflies
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A World for Butterflies: Their Lives, Habitats and Future
Phillip J. Schappert
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Butterflies
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Insects & Spiders
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Invertebrates
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Conservation
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ASIN: 1552095509 |
Book Description
- Chosen by Booklist (American Library Association) as one of the 'Top 10 Sci-Tech Books' in 2000.
Butterflies are the most charismatic species of the insect world. Their brilliant colors, ability to fly, complex behavior, ecological relationships with plants and animals, and their broad distribution in a wide variety of habitats have fascinated people for centuries.
With over 300 color photographs and drawings,
A World For Butterflies is a lavishly illustrated guide to the world of butterflies providing a wide range of information about this colorful and graceful insect.
The book is divided into five chapters, each focusing on a major question:
- What are butterflies?
- How many kinds of butterflies are there?
- Where do they live?
- How do they live?
- What can we do to help them survive?
Among the many topics discussed in detail are evolution, life cycle, courtship and reproduction, anatomy, geographic distribution, migration, demography, as well as butterfly-watching.
A World For Butterflies is the first book to feature photographs of butterflies in their natural settings, accompanied by fascinating text, such as:
- Only one or two out of a hundred eggs will survive to become a butterfly
- Strategies to deter predators include false eyespots, heads and bright wings that 'disappear' when folded up
- Butterflies without strong anti-predator scent or taste have evolved to look exactly like those that do.
Accurate, comprehensive, and beautifully illustrated, this is the ultimate guide to the world of butterflies.
Customer Reviews:
Highly Recommended-- Fills a Great Need.......2000-10-28
This book can be unreservedly recommended-- not only for butterfly lovers and aficionados but the general lover of nature. To its great credit, it does many things at the same time, and does them all well. While it can introduce the general nature lover to the wonders of butterflies, it can also take seasoned butterfly enthusiasts even deeper into their favorite subject. Neither party will feel left out. The book is a judicious combination of informed text and beautiful, pertinent, photographs and graphic illustrations. One role this book fills is a gap which has "gaped" for many decades-- one between the simple love of Lepidoptera and the science of Lepidoptera. Many lepidopterists who see this book are going to wish THEY had it when they were young. This is because the book builds so many easy bridges between the simple love of butterflies and the wondrous complexity of their science. It hits the whole spectrum-- from life cycle, body and structure, classification, distribution, and general biology to more complex topics-- like mimicry and genetics. And, in each case, there are diagrams and/or photographs making even the most complex topics readily understandable. I bought a copy and gave it to a young friend who, at 10, is just beginning to take his love of butterflies to a higher level of serious learning. However, the book will work just as well for adults; if a professional wanted a quick refresher on many topics in lepidoptery he could find them here as well. The other major topic that A World For Butterflies bites off with gusto is conservation. The topic is treated not just with sweeping worldwide generalities but with compelling and intricate case studies highlighting the complexities that lie beneath the problem of species endangerment worldwide. This book deserves to do very well.
A World for Butterflies.......2000-10-11
The author's goal was to bridge the gap between researcher and teacher. I think he accomplished this admirably through the pictures. Almost every page has a beautiful photograph. The book is comprehensive and authoritative, covering conservation, classification, life cycle, and geographic distribution. "Six case studies illustrate some of the major problems faced by butterflies, and some of the real and potential solutions that have been (or can be) used to moderate their decline or endangerment". Includes bibliographic references and index. This book should appeal to young fans of the Very Hungry Butterfly as well as older students studying and classifying butterflies.
Book Description
The definitive guide to the world's most recognized butterfly.
Monarch butterflies are widely distributed around the world. The two most distinct populations are located in North America -- one to the east and the other to the west of the Rocky Mountains.
Their wide distribution, coupled with their vivid orange, white and black coloring makes the monarch the most recognizable butterfly. Regrettably, in recent years, ecological changes -- specifically the loss of its feeding grounds -- are threatening the monarch's existence.
The Last Monarch Butterfly provides a thorough and essential overview of these delightful creatures and helps readers to understand their plight. The book documents the monarch's life cycle to provide a clear understanding of its natural condition including its migratory nature. Easy-to-understand text is illustrated with thirty bright, colorful photographs.
The western butterfly winters in California and the eastern butterfly winters in Mexico. Natural disasters such as a recent cold snap in Mexico imperil the already depleted monarch populations. Areas in California that once hosted the monarch are now being used for residential and industrial development. Even the vast fields of flowering weeds that supported the monarch in the northern states are depleted for new development.
The Last Monarch Butterfly is the definitive environmental reference on this endangered species.
Book Description
On this extraordinary audio program, Julia Butterfly Hill, the remarkable woman who inspired the world by living in a giant redwood tree named “Luna” to protest the practices of the logging industry, shares her story of commitment, perseverance and courage with New Dimensions Radio host Michael Toms.
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring Interview With An Environmental Heroine.......2003-01-05
New Dimensions Radio and Michael Toms are known for presenting some of the most important people and issues of our times. Gratefully, New Dimensions released this amazing interview with Julia Butterfly Hill.
Her book 'Legacy of Luna', about her experiences 180 feet up a thousand year old redwood, the resulting preservation of it and the surrounding grove, is fascinating. With this interview, we get to hear her speak of the ordeal/adventure in her own voice.
Even more than listening to the profound experience, her incredible spirit, generosity, and love for all living things is inspiring. This tape is highly recommended for anyone who has respect for all forms of life and their protection.
The voice for those whom cannot speak.......2001-01-31
Julia Butterfly Hill's story is that in which is so awe inspiring and full of such powerful truth, its hard not to want to go out and do something extreme as well to protect our sacred environment in all of its natural beauty!
This audiocassette is wonderful, made by new dimensions radio ( whom is involved with many environmental issues), and is definetly a must have for you treehuggers, outdoor lovers, and spiritualists!
If you do not know of Julia's 2 year treesit in "luna", please go out and get this cassette! I guarentee it will leave you refreshed and inspired!
So take the journey with ms hill as she talks about her sit, and the trials and tribulations she experienced while participating in the longest treesit in history! (738days)
Happy listening!
Book Description
- Chosen by Booklist (American Library Association) as one of the 'Top 10 Sci-Tech Books' in 2000.
Butterflies are the most charismatic species of the insect world. Their brilliant colors, ability to fly, complex behavior, ecological relationships with plants and animals, and their broad distribution in a wide variety of habitats have fascinated people for centuries.
With over 300 color photographs and drawings,
A World For Butterflies is a lavishly illustrated guide to the world of butterflies providing a wide range of information about this colorful and graceful insect.
The book is divided into five chapters, each focusing on a major question:
- What are butterflies?
- How many kinds of butterflies are there?
- Where do they live?
- How do they live?
- What can we do to help them survive?
Among the many topics discussed in detail are evolution, life cycle, courtship and reproduction, anatomy, geographic distribution, migration, demography, as well as butterfly-watching.
A World For Butterflies is the first book to feature photographs of butterflies in their natural settings, accompanied by fascinating text, such as:
- Only one or two out of a hundred eggs will survive to become a butterfly
- Strategies to deter predators include false eyespots, heads and bright wings that 'disappear' when folded up
- Butterflies without strong anti-predator scent or taste have evolved to look exactly like those that do.
Accurate, comprehensive, and beautifully illustrated, this is the ultimate guide to the world of butterflies.
Customer Reviews:
FABULOUS World for Butterflies!.......2004-11-29
As an educator and butterfly enthusiast I whole-heartedly recommend this book. Phil Schappert has done an amazing job at providing clear, easy-to-understand information about one of the world's most amazing insects. Remember learning about butterflies when you were a kid (probably learned a lot of incorrect material!)? Well, you will see pictures of what goes on in the butterfly world from this expert. The glossary provides a fabulous list of lep terms-just awesome! No butterfly afficionado should be without this book!
Average customer rating:
|
Butterfly Conservation
T. R. New
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Butterflies
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Insects & Spiders
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Entomology
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Invertebrates
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Conservation
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ASIN: 0195541243 |
Book Description
Many butterflies have declined in abundance during recent decades, and their conservation engenders concern and effort in many parts of the world. This book is a broad survey of the science of butterfly conservation. It discusses the causes of butterfly decline and - within the context of a summary of butterfly biology and using examples from several countries - illustrates how attempts are now in progress to conserve particular butterfly species, local assemblages,
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- 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth
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- Air Pollution Control (3rd Edition)
- All You Need to Know about the Music Business
- Analysis and Management of Animal Populations
- Animal Underworld: Inside America's Black Market for Rare & Exotic Species
- Apologia pro Vita Sua (Penguin Classics)
- Arctic Wings: Birds of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
- Arts of Vietnam (Temporis Collection)
- Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living
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