by Philip Howse and Kirby Wolfe

RRP £25

ISBN: 9 781906 506254

From the Publisher

The most spectacular wild silkmoths live in tropical and subtropical forests and include the elegant moon moths with delicate pale green wings and long tails, the huge atlas moths with snake patterns embroidered on the edges of their wings, and the bullseye moths with brightly-coloured eye-spots that resemble the eyes of owls. The interplay of wing colour and design, behaviour, and ecology in the evolution of these extraordinary insects is explored in a lively, accessible text by award-winning author Philip Howse accompanied by the magnificent photographs of Kirby Wolfe. Many previously unrecognised examples of mimicry of other animals embedded in their wing patterns are described and illustrated, including images of owl eyes, bird wings, claws, teeth, heads of reptiles, birds, rodents, cats..., all designed to frighten the shortsighted, insect-eating birds that seek to prey on them. The grandeur and the fascinating natural history of the giant silkmoths and the manner in which they protect themselves are described and illustrated in this lavishly-produced book in such a way that as to enthrall scientists, students, artists and all those interested in wildlife and photography.

About the Authors

Philip Howse has published books and research articles on insect behaviour and ecology. He has developed environmentally-friendly methods for the control of insect pests, recognised by a number of awards including the OBE. After a career spent mainly at Southampton University, he has now retired but continues writing about the insects that have fascinated him since childhood. Kirby Wolfe has published books and research articles on insect behaviour and ecology. He is a Research Associate of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, California, and has spent more than 25 years studying and photographing moths.

A Review by Lynn Fomison, 7th December 2011

This book just has to be at the forefront of bringing the wonder of the natural world right into the readerís home. Pink moths that mimic orchids in the jungle, moths that are patterned to look like snakes or with scary eye patterns leap from almost every page. The photographs are stunning and of superb quality. The illustrations in this book are destined to make a significant impression on the reader. The Giant Silkmoths and their caterpillars will to many people be unsurpassed in nature for sheer beauty and evolutionary design. Indeed many hours can be spent simply poring over the pictures to become absorbed in the magic of moths.

However it would be a shame not to find the time to read the text because the explanations of the strategies of colour, mimicry and camouflage encompass many strands of nature, history and mythology and are truly fascinating.

This book is recommended reading for anyone with an interest in nature. But I would especially like it to be opened by those who have the perception that moths are ugly, brown and eat clothes! Be prepared to be enchanted by these giant moths and their caterpillars.

PS: Reading page page 72 is a must! It gives a whole new meaning to Matthew Oates saying "Never underestimate a caterpillar."