Category Archives: Buggy Book Reviews

Buggy Book Reviews, Butterfly Field Guide, Butterfly Gardening, Papilionidae, Raising butterflies, Rearing moths, Saturniidae, Swallowtail Butterflies

BOOK REVIEW: “Butterflies and Moths: A Guide to the More Common American Species”

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Some classics just never go out of style. Such is the case for the book “Butterflies and Moths: A Guide to the More Common American Species” by Robert T. Mitchell and Herbert S. Zim. Most field guides eventually go out of print and become unavailable over time as their information becomes outdated and new guides are produced. To my knowledge, this book has been in continuous print since it originally came out in 1964.

SCAN0001The original library hardcover version of this classic book!

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Buggy Book Reviews

Fluttering Fantastic: A Butterfly Book That Takes Flight

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The “Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America” by Jim P. Brock and Kenn Kaufman is, in my opinion, a truly exceptional resource and a must-have for anyone with a casual interest in butterflies or a serious passion for lepidopterology. This guide stands out in a crowded field for several reasons, combining scientific rigor with a user-friendly approach that makes butterfly identification accessible and enjoyable for beginners and experts alike.

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Buggy Book Reviews

A Moth Enthusiast’s Must-Have: The Peterson Field Guide

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The Peterson Field Guide to Moths of Northeastern North America by David Beadle and Seabrooke Leckie is a truly exceptional resource, and a must-have for anyone with an interest in the often-overlooked world of moths. This guide stands out not only for its comprehensive coverage but also for its user-friendly design and stunning visuals.

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Buggy Book Reviews

Buzzworthy Blooms: A Northern Gardener’s Delight!

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“A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators” by Lorraine Johnson and Sheila Colla is a truly invaluable resource for anyone looking to cultivate a thriving, ecologically beneficial garden in northern climates. This book goes far beyond simply listing plants; it’s a comprehensive guide that fosters a deep understanding of the vital relationship between native flora and their pollinator partners.

What immediately impressed me was the book’s accessibility. Even for a novice gardener, the information is presented clearly and engagingly. Johnson and Colla masterfully weave scientific insights with practical gardening advice, making complex ecological concepts easy to grasp. The focus on the specific needs of northern ecosystems is particularly welcome, as many gardening books cater to broader, warmer regions.

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Buggy Book Reviews, Butterfly Gardening

Beyond Beginner: Mastering Northeast Natives with Uli Lorimer’s Primer

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“The Northeast Native Plant Primer” by Uli Lorimer is not just a book; it’s an invitation to rediscover the wild beauty and ecological richness of the northeastern United States, right in your own backyard. Lorimer masterfully bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and practical gardening, crafting a guide that is both informative and inspiring. From the moment you open the cover, you’re drawn into a world where native plants are not just ornamental additions, but vital components of a thriving ecosystem.

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Buggy Book Reviews

Unveiling the Enchantment: Discovering “The Little Book of Butterflies” and the Magic They Hold

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Butterflies have been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. My fascination with them began when I was around seven and has stayed with me for fifty years. I spent hours in nature as a child, exploring and discovering new things. When I wasn’t collecting butterflies, I often read about them.

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Buggy Book Reviews

Princeton University Press’ “The Little Book of Beetles” by Arthur V. Evans

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Coming this April from Princeton University Press four books in their new “Little Book” series. The first is THE LITTLE BOOK OF BEETLES by Arthur V. Evans and illustrated by Tugce Okay.

Packed with surprising facts, this delightful and gorgeously designed book will beguile any nature lover. Expertly written and beautifully illustrated throughout with color photographs and original color artwork, THE LITTLE BOOK OF BEETLES is an accessible and enjoyable mini reference about the world’s beetles, with examples drawn from across the globe. It fits an astonishing amount of information in a small package, covering a wide range of topics – from anatomy, diversity, and reproduction to habitat and conservation. It also includes curious facts and a section on beetles in myths, folklore, and modern culture from around the world. The result is an irresistible guide to the amazing lives of beetles.

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Buggy Book Reviews

VELVET ANTS OF NORTH AMERICA by Kevin Williams, Aaron D. Pan, and Joseph S. Wilson

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“Velvet Ants of North America,” by Princeton University Press, is a beautiful photographic guide to the species of the wasp family Mutillidae found in the United States and Canada. Featuring hundreds of full-color photos, it covers nearly 460 species – representing more than nine percent of all velvet ant species, which number in the thousands worldwide – providing comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of this spectacular group of insects. This one-of-a-kind guide serves as an invaluable reference for naturalists, scientific researchers, museum specialists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Buggy Book Reviews

Mysteries of Moths: Illuminating the Night’s Hidden Beauty

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Moths, often regarded as the nocturnal counterparts to the more popular butterflies, have been an integral part of our planet’s history for an astounding 200 million years. Yet, their reputation is often overshadowed by misconceptions. Regrettably, when people think of moths, they frequently associate them with clothing damage, overlooking their inherent beauty.

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Buggy Book Reviews

Mysteries Unveiled: Embarking on Nocturnal Adventures with “Discovering Moths: Nighttime Jewels in Your Own Backyard” by Jim Himmelman

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The natural world is a treasure trove of mysteries and beauty, often concealed within the folds of darkness. John Himmelman’s book, “Discovering Moths: Nighttime Jewels in Your Own Backyard, Eastern North American Species,” serves as a luminous guide to the enchanting universe of moths that grace our landscapes during the twilight hours. Published with a passion for education and the wonders of the night, this book invites readers to explore the intricate lives of these lesser-known creatures, highlighting their importance and magnificence.

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