A Princeton Field Guide by David L. Wagner
If you liked Guide to Caterpillars of Field and Gardens, you are going to love this book! Although it covers only the eastern US (using the Mississippi River as the dividing line), the complete ranges are described in the text, and several species’ ranges cross the River. This guide includes many moth species, which have the most spectacular caterpillars; most caterpillars have their adults pictured too. Those that don’t have their own adult moth or butterfly have a photo of a close relative. Includes caterpillars of nearly 700 butterflies and moths found east of the Mississippi. The more than 1,200 color photographs and two dozen line drawings include numerous exceptionally striking images. The giant silk moths, tiger moths, and many other species covered include forest pests, common garden guests, and economically important species.
Full-page species accounts cover almost 400 species, with up to six images per species including an image of the adult plus succinct text with information on distribution, seasonal activity, food plants, and life history. These accounts are generously complemented with additional images of earlier instars, closely related species, noteworthy behaviors, and other intriguing aspects of caterpillar biology. Many caterpillars are illustrated here for the first time. Dozens of new food plant records are presented and erroneous records are corrected. The book provides considerable information on the distribution, biology, and taxonomy of caterpillars beyond that available in other popular works on Eastern butterflies and moths. The introductory chapter covers caterpillar structure, life cycles, rearing, natural enemies, photography, and conservation. The section titled ""Caterpillar Projects"" will be of special interest to educators.
Paper; 512 pages; 5 x 8 inches; 1,200 color photos and 24 line drawing; Princeton University Press, August 2005.
