Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make the Smithsonian Handbook of Butterflies and Moths the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to butterflies and moths of the world. Packed with more than 600 full-color photographs of over 500 species, this handy pocket guide is designed to cut through the complex process of identification to enable you to recognize a species instantly.

Thoroughly researched and expertly written, each species entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the chief characteristics and distinguishing features of each butterfly and moth. A distribution map, showing the geographical range of the species, as well as color-coded bands, providing at-a-glance facts for quick reference, complete every entry. For beginners and established enthusiasts alike, the Smithsonian Handbook of Butterflies and Moths explains what a butterfly or moth is, how butterflies and moths are classified, how to observe them, and how to record species you have seen. The book provides a visual identity key that photographically lists the families you will find in each region, and guides you to the correct entries. A concise glossary explains all technical and scientific terms used in the book.

Author Biography: David Carter is an entomologist at the Natural History Museum, London, where he has worked for nearly 40 years specializing in Lepidoptera. At the museum, he has also managed part of the vast National Collection of World Insects. His many books on the subject include the Observer's Book of Caterpillars, Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe, The Photographic Guide to Identifying Butterflies, and the Collins Field Guide to Caterpillars of Britain and Europe. He has also produced technical manuals such as Pest Lepidoptera of Europe and Care and Conservation of Natural History Collections, as well as many scientific papers. David lives with his wife Brenda in Surrey, England. They have four grown-up children.