An essential field guide for butterfly enthusiasts, “Butterflies: East of the Great Plains” by Paul A. Opler and George O. Krizek is a landmark publication that has stood the test of time since its first release in 1984. This book is a true masterpiece of scientific and artistic collaboration, offering a detailed and accessible look at the diverse butterfly species found in the eastern half of North America. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and the authors’ deep expertise and passion for their subject.
Continue reading A Timeless Classic: Why “Butterflies: East of the Great Plains” Still SoarsTag Archives: butterflies
A Comprehensive Gem for Lepidopterists: A Review of “The Butterflies of North America” by James A. Scott
James A. Scott’s 1986 magnum opus, “The Butterflies of North America: A Natural History and Field Guide,” stands as an enduring testament to meticulous scholarship and passionate dedication to the world of butterflies. More than just a field guide, this monumental work is a veritable encyclopedia, offering an unparalleled blend of scientific rigor, accessible prose, and breathtaking detail that continues to captivate both seasoned lepidopterists and budding enthusiasts alike.
Continue reading A Comprehensive Gem for Lepidopterists: A Review of “The Butterflies of North America” by James A. ScottThe Enigmatic Beauty of the Diana Fritillary: A Jewel of Eastern Woodlands
The Diana Fritillary, scientific name Speyeria diana, stands out as one of North America’s most striking and sought-after butterflies. Renowned for its dramatic sexual dimorphism, distinct habitat preferences, and fascinating life cycle, this “brush-footed butterfly” (Family Nymphalidae) is a true gem of the eastern and southern United States, captivating observers with its unique appearance and elusive nature.
Continue reading The Enigmatic Beauty of the Diana Fritillary: A Jewel of Eastern WoodlandsThe Elusive Compton Tortoiseshell: A Harbinger of Spring and Autumn
Soaring with powerful, rapid flights through the boreal and temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere, Nymphalis vaualbum, commonly known as the Compton Tortoiseshell, is a striking and often elusive butterfly. Renowned for its jagged wing margins, mottled camouflage, and its unique life cycle that involves both summer aestivation and winter hibernation, this species is a fascinating example of adaptation to fluctuating seasonal conditions.
Continue reading The Elusive Compton Tortoiseshell: A Harbinger of Spring and AutumnThe Regal Lineage: Tracing the History of Birdwing Butterflies (Ornithoptera)
Among the most magnificent and sought-after insects on Earth, the birdwing butterflies of the genus Ornithoptera stand as living jewels. Renowned for their immense size, often iridescent coloration, and graceful flight, these butterflies have captivated naturalists, collectors, and conservationists for centuries. Their history is not just a tale of scientific discovery but also one intertwined with human exploration, evolving understanding, and increasingly, urgent conservation efforts.
Continue reading The Regal Lineage: Tracing the History of Birdwing Butterflies (Ornithoptera)Beyond the Net: A Butterfly Guide

Jeffrey Glassberg’s “Butterflies through Binoculars: The East” is a highly acclaimed field guide that has become a staple for butterfly enthusiasts in eastern North America. Published in 1999, this book revolutionized butterfly identification, emphasizing the use of binoculars for observation and extensively using photographs of living butterflies. Here’s a detailed review:
Continue reading Beyond the Net: A Butterfly GuideBOOK REVIEW: “Butterflies and Moths: A Guide to the More Common American Species”
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.
The original library hardcover version of this classic book!
Continue reading BOOK REVIEW: “Butterflies and Moths: A Guide to the More Common American Species”
The Enigmatic Question Mark: Unraveling the Secrets of Polygonia interrogationis

Dancing through sun-dappled woodlands and urban gardens across eastern North America flits a butterfly of curious markings and intriguing habits – the question mark, scientifically known as Polygonia interrogationis. Its scalloped wing edges and the distinctive silver mark on its hindwing, resembling its namesake punctuation, make it a readily identifiable and endlessly fascinating member of the brush-footed butterfly family.
Continue reading The Enigmatic Question Mark: Unraveling the Secrets of Polygonia interrogationisFluttering Fantastic: A Butterfly Book That Takes Flight

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.
Continue reading Fluttering Fantastic: A Butterfly Book That Takes FlightUnveiling the Enchantment: Discovering “The Little Book of Butterflies” and the Magic They Hold
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.
Continue reading Unveiling the Enchantment: Discovering “The Little Book of Butterflies” and the Magic They Hold





