MOTHS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA-Descriptions and colour illustrations of 1183 species

Moths of Southern Africa, descriptions and colour illustrations of 1183 species. First Edition.

Moths present unlimited opportunities of discovery, pleasure and satisfaction in Southern Africa, with its wide range of vegetation and great variety of moths. The belief that most of them are dull grey or brown insects is far removed from reality.

In fact this authoritative book proves that moths often excel butterflies with their bright, ethereal, iridescent colours.

Moths of Southern Africa describes and illustrates the more interesting or the commonest species likely to be encountered in Southern Africa. Many Pyralids and other "micros", as well as "macros", are included, but the emphasis is on the more familar species and those of special interest, particularly those of economic importance.

More important to the general reader in the introductory part of the book, which introduces the reader to moth-collecting. Of much interest in the descriptions are the notes on derivation of names, and references to peculiar adaptations such as mimicry and industrial melanism.

The books is sufficiently detailed to set any enthusiast on the right road. Most of our pests in this group - army worms, codlins, bollworms, etc - are described in some detail and there is a brief index to these, in order to assist the farmer or the gardener.

The index to host plants will be of use to laymen as well as students. Thes tudent will also find the notes on systematics, distribution, synonymy, references and key to families a great help.

But visual indentification is easier to follow than elaborate lists. This book contains text figures in black and white and 63 colour plates. Some species are illustrated for the first time - a great many of them for the first time in colour.

Moths of Southern Africa is a readable and practical book. Beautifully illustrted, factual yet not too technical, it is a popular reference book of rare quality.

Hardcover with dustcover, some chips to edges.Protected in loose mylar cover. Colour tipped Frontispiece/Preface- 273 pages text with plates and supporting data. Becoming scarce.Very clean copy.