The Lives of Butterflies: A Natural History of Our Planet's Butterfly Life (The Lives of the Natural World, 6)

A beautifully illustrated introduction to the lives of butterflies around the world There are more than fifteen thousand butterfly species in the world, fluttering through a wide variety of habitats. Bright and beautiful, butterflies also have fascinating life histories and play an important role in our planet’s ecosystems. The Lives of Butterflies showcases the extraordinary range of colors and patterns of the world’s butterflies while exploring their life histories, behavior, habitats and resources, populations, seasonality, defense and natural enemies, and threats and conservation. With remarkable photography, graphic illustration, and profiles of thirty-five selected species, this comprehensive and inviting book discusses dozens of key topics, including eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalids; flight, feeding, courtship, and mating; migration and hibernation; concealment, mimicry, and predators; habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, and pesticides; and farming and gardening to support and attract butterflies. With its stunning illustrations and clear, up-to-date, and authoritative text, The Lives of Butterflies will appeal to a wide range of butterfly and nature lovers. Cover Contents Introduction Life Histories Butterfly Behavior Habitats & Resources Butterfly Populations Butterfly Seasonality Defense & Natural Enemies Threats & Conservation Glossary Butterfly Families Resources Index Acknowledgments