Staff Book and Media Recommendations

Patrick Douglas is a Library Technician at the University of Central Oklahoma.

500 Butterflies from around the World

Ken Preston-Mafham

Ken Preston-Mafham's 500 Butterflies from around the World is a very attractive pictorial reference full of beautiful photographs and descriptions. At just about six inches square, this hardcover book is packed with page after page (over five hundred pages) of helpful information for anyone interested in these delicate little creatures.

The introduction briefly distinguishes butterflies from moths and describes and illustrates their life-cycles, habitats, and anatomy. Organized by family, each entry has a large, close-up photograph of the species and a short paragraph describing its appearance and distinctive characteristics. There is also a data key listing its scientific name, classification, size, larval food plants, flight period, and range.

This lovely little book is beautifully illustrated and informative. Unlike Chris Mattison's 300 Frogs, Ken Preston-Mafham's 500 Butterflies is more of a watcher's guide than a true study companion. It makes for hours of visual stimulation, though; the variety and intricacy of shape and color of these gossamer insects is truly amazing.

Reviewed November 2009