The Butterflies of the West Indies and South Florida

Book excerpt: This comprehensive guide draws together the remarkable array of butterflies that mark the West Indies and the southern tip of Florida as a biogeographical area. The authors describe all six hundred butterflies, species and subspecies, known from the area, including the many that have evolvedon the islands, and the work is based on their first-hand field experience. The book provides an historical overview which surveys possible faunal origins, the size of island faunas, and conservation problems. The individual descriptions detail its West Indian distribution, key identification features, observations on habitat choice and behaviour, and life historyinformation. It also includes a taxonomic checklist and an extensive bibliography.