British Butterflies: Figures and Descriptions of Every Native Species

Designed for anyone curious about the fluttering jewels of the British countryside, this volume offers a compact yet thorough guide to every native butterfly species. Written in a clear style that avoids heavy scientific jargon, it walks readers through names, appearances, habits and typical locales, while also sharing the author's lifelong passion for the craft of butterfly‑hunting.

The book opens with a friendly primer on what distinguishes butterflies from moths, then proceeds to detail each stage of their lives—egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult—complete with practical tips on gentle capture, preservation, and arranging specimens in a cabinet. Full‑size colour plates show both male and female forms, dorsal and ventral views, and many caterpillars and chrysalides, drawn from nature and supplemented by respected continental illustrations. Scattered anecdotes about recent discoveries and references to contemporary entomological journals give the guide a lively, up‑to‑date feel, making it a useful companion for schoolchildren, amateur naturalists, and anyone who enjoys wandering a summer meadow.