The Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles

Bernard Skinner Illustrated by David Wilson

The third edition of the essential guide for the British Moth enthusiast, published in 2009, this classic volume illustrates over 800 species of larger (macro) moths in full colour.

This brand new, updated edition features up to date distribution information for many species, many of which have expanded or contracted their range in the 21 years since the 2nd edition.

There are now 51 colour plates of set specimens, including the original 43 from the 1st edition, as well as additional plates showing new species, and several which have magnified views of certain 'difficult' species.

The moths are pinned in traditional museum format, which is certainly useful when the hindwings are an important identification feature.

Identification of some of the smaller species (such as the Pugs, Eupithecia spp.) can be tricky at times, but the printing quality of the plates appears to be much improved from previous editions.

The text is necessarily brief for each moth species, but includes distribution, flight periods, larval foodplants and other information. Some similar species have identification tips and text figures to illustrate this.

There are no pictures of caterpillars, but there is a short text at the end of each species account describing the larval season and foodplants.

This book is an essential buy for the serious moth enthusiast and an ideal companion to Waring & Townsend's Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland

Also recommended: