About This Book
The book surveys historical and contemporary literature on butterflies, then explains butterfly anatomy, physiology, and complete metamorphosis from egg through larva and pupa to adult. It provides life-history details illustrated by a case study of a red silverwing's egg-laying, larval molts, pupation, and emergence. Classification and family-group characteristics are outlined, with keys to major butterfly families and subfamilies. The final chapters discuss predators, defensive coloration and mimicry, chemical defenses, and behavioral strategies such as feigning death.