Our fields and forests are teeming with butterflies, moths, and caterpillars of all colors, shapes, and sizes. West Virginia alone contains over 130 butterfly species and perhaps as many as 2,000 moth species. Despite their abundance and diversity, the vast majority of species remain under appreciated, neglected, and poorly understood by most people. Butterflies and Moths of West Virginia: A Beginner’s Guide—West Virginia’s first book of butterflies, moths, and their caterpillars—attempts to resolve this issue by introducing the public to this elaborate group of insects in an enjoyable, easy-to-understand fashion.
This guide begins with introductory sections describing the metamorphosis, body structure, seasonality, habitat, and natural enemies of West Virginia’s butterflies, moths, and caterpillars.
Tips on collecting and preserving butterflies and moths and rearing their caterpillars are also provided. This is followed by accounts of the 50 most common, well-known species found in West Virginia.
