Carey Knox, an ecologist based in Aotearoa, is the author of A Naturalist’s Guide to the Butterflies & Moths of Aotearoa New Zealand. This pocket-sized book is an excellent introductory identification guide to 360 species of butterflies and moths found in Aotearoa.
In his informative introduction, he writes that an astonishing and unique array of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) call Aotearoa home, with more than 2,000 thought to be present. Over 90 percent of these are endemic i.e. found nowhere else in the world. This is the highest proportion of endemic butterflies and moths in any country in the world, making Aotearoa a unique and special place to study Lepidoptera.
It would have been impossible to fit all of these in, so he chose to devote most of his book to the most commonly seen moths and butterflies. To balance this emphasis on common species, he has also profiled a selection of rare and particularly ecologically fascinating Lepidoptera in a special rarities and specialities section.
Each moth or butterfly is identified first by its common name, where known, followed by its scientific name. Many of the common names relate to their appearance like the aptly named Barred Pink Carpet Moth, Forest Ghost Moth, North Island Zebra moth, Rusty Dotted Triangle Moth, and Orange Peel Moth.
As well as being a writer, Carey Knox is also an award-winning wildlife photographer. He has used his own photographs and others by Aotearoa’s top nature photographers to illustrate each species. All were taken in the wild. These high-quality photographs are accompanied by detailed information about each moth or butterfly in four parts.
Part One: Description. A detailed introduction to its appearance and whether it is endemic or native.
Part Two: Distribution. Where it is located and is most likely to be found.
Part Three: Its habits and habitats.
Part Four: Remarks: Further interesting aspects of the species’ ecology, behaviour, and relationship with other species.
This informative guide is a must have for naturalists interested in New Zealand’s endemic Lepidoptera and being pocket sized it can easily be taken on field trips. But it would also be a great guide for beginners who would like to embark on their own Lepidoptera journey.
Carey Knox tells us how you can easily start by taking a walk outside and use this guide to identify any moths or butterflies that are fluttering through your garden. or take a closer look at the moths that gather on your windows at night. You could also take a walk in the forest at night with a torch or camera and see what moths take to the air or emerge from disturbed vegetation as you pass by trees and shrubs.
Carey Knox is a passionate conservationist intent on improving the conservation outcomes for Aotearoa’s butterflies and moths. Especially those Lepidoptera that rely on one host species are at risk of being lost due to forest or shrubland clearance and he tells how we can help by planting native trees which host a variety of moth species (a list of these is provided) so that the beautiful moths featured in this book and numerous others can flourish and remain for future generations to study and admire.
Reviewer: Lyn Potter
John Beaufoy Publishing
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