Description
Book SynopsisSouthern Africa boasts wonderful invertebrate diversity and abundance. In this book, approximately 1,500 species of the region's moths – and most of their caterpillars – are illustrated with images of live specimens. A diagnosis based on visible characters is provided, also enabling the user to readily identify many closely related species not illustrated. Known host associations, habitat preferences, phenology and accurate distribution maps are provided for each species.
As the only substantive and up-to-date guide to the rich moth fauna of the wider southern African region, this volume fills a gap in the natural history books of Africa. Furthermore, it includes data from citizen science project The Caterpillar Rearing Group to depict caterpillar stage and respective host plant/s for a sizeable proportion of the southern African moth fauna. Based on more than 270,000 location records, preferred habitats and point-based distribution maps are provided for the first time. A crucial addition to our understanding of the wildlife of the African continent.
Trade ReviewAn essential resource for naturalists, gardeners, farmers, students, and anyone interested in delving into the rich and ecologically significant world of moths. ... The incorporation of caterpillar information in this book is a commendable feature, enabling naturalists to engage with and identify moths in their larval state. … It is my hope that this book will ignite a surge of conservation studies that incorporate moths into the ecological tapestry of southern Africa.
-- James S. Pryke * Journal of Insect Conservation *
Excellent... I highly recommend the book and certainly will be packing it in my luggage for my next African trip.
-- Paul Waring * British Journal of Entomology and Natural History *
