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Volume 25, Number 4
299
A Field Guide to the Butterflies and Burnets of Spain, by W. B. L. Manley and H. G. Allcard. 1970. 182 pp., 41 colour plates including frontispiece. Publishers: E. W. Classey Ltd., Middlesex, England. (Available in U. S. from Entomological Reprint Specialists, P. O. Box 77971, Dockweiler Station, Los Angeles, California 90007; price $37.50.)
This book includes all 229 species of butterflies known to occur in Spain, and in addition to these, the 26 species of burnets (Zygaenidae). The colourful burnets being diurnal are as popular with collectors as many of the butterflies and their inclusion enhances the usefulness of the book.
The term "field guide" usually carries with it the connotation of a compact volume with detailed and comparative descriptions of the various species but neither of these qualities is found in the "Butterflies and Burnets of Spain." All species are illustrated in beautifully prepared colour plates. In many cases, males, females, undersides, and pattern variations are all reproduced at life size. Unfortunately the page number for the text of the species is not included in the plates and it is necessary to refer to the index to> find the text reference for the butterfly. The plates do however include the complete data for each specimen illustrated.
The text for each species is short and usually covers three subjects. These are: the localities where the species may be most easily located, complete with elevation and time of year, secondly, a discussion of the various subspecies and forms described, and thirdly, the larval host plants.
In addition to the butterflies and burnets of Spain, sections at the end of the text deal with the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and Madeira with a similar text and plates.
At the end of the text there is a complete systematic check list of species, subspecies, and forms in the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and Madeira. The list includes references to original descriptions for a more detailed study of the species.
"The Butterflies and Burnets of Spain" will be an invaluable field guide to collecting as well as identification for the lepidopterist interested in collecting in any of the areas treated in the book.
J. Donald Lafontaine, 916 Innsivood Drive, Ottawa, Ontario.