"Butterflies," a field guide co-authored by Jonathan P. Latimer and Karen Stray Nolting, is a beautiful and informative guide to this fascinating family of insects. A well-written introduction gives basic information about butterfly anatomy, the butterfly life cycle, and other relevant matters. But the main body of the book consists of individual profiles of many major species of butterfly.

Each two-page spread consists of text, a full-color photograph of a representative insect, and excellent full-color drawings by artist Amy Bartlett Wright. Highlighted sections of each spread focus on each butterfly's habitat, its favorite plants, and the best times of the year that it can be seen. By the time you finish the book, you will be familiar with the Tiger Swallowtail, the Variegated Fritillary, the Red Admiral, and many other colorful species.

This is a fascinating book which will be useful to both adventurous types who like to view butterflies in the wild and to those who prefer to read about butterflies from the comfort of their study. And although the book is marketed for young people, I believe it would also be appealing to adults. Ultimately, the authors and illustrator have created a beautiful tribute to a marvelous family of living beings.