Butterflies of Cyprus: A Field Guide and Distribution Atlas

Description:

Cyprus offers the butterfly enthusiast, whether amateur or professional, an opportunity to study species not encountered elsewhere in the Mediterranean basin. Included in this book are details of endemic species and subspecies, all commonly found on the island. Present, too, are various species of eremic origin, one of which (Apharitis acamas, Levantine Leopard) has its westernmost European presence in Cyprus.

The proximity of Cyprus to the Middle East and North Africa encourages the appearance of migrant butterfly species, with mass migrations occasionally occurring. It is anticipated that climate change and range expansion will see the arrival of other species and these, along with the 54 butterfly species currently listed for the island are also discussed. Additional sections include:

•A review of butterfly research in Cyprus

•Biogeography of Cyprus' butterflies

•Life-history of the butterfly (with illustrated observations of predation)

•Habitats

•Butterfly behaviour (including migration, aestivation and adult nutrition)

•Biodiversity and endemics

Well-illustrated species' entries also provide information on:

•Distribution - where, for the first time, comprehensive distribution maps for each of Cyprus' butterfly species at 5 x 5 km square resolution are presented

•Flight periods

•Larval hostplants relevant to Cyprus

•Ecology and behaviour

•Descriptions/key identification aids

•Conservation status of butterflies in Cyprus

A chapter on the status of butterflies in Cyprus includes local guidance on collecting restrictions and conservation, and a closing chapter explains the planned Butterfly Monitoring Scheme under the auspices of Butterfly Conservation Europe and the Cyprus Butterfly Study Group. Content includes many citations complemented by supporting Bibliography, with emphasis on butterflies of the eastern Mediterranean region. The book will appeal to those simply seeking to identify the island's butterflies, and to the more academically inclined researcher.

Key points to note:

•the first comprehensive review and guide to the butterflies of Cyprus, a vital habitat for migrating and endemic species

•includes over 50 detailed, full colour distribution maps

•beautifully illustrated with over 300 colour photographs of the butterflies and their habitats

The intended audience is professional entomologists, butterfly experts, insect conservation biologists, amateur entomologists, lepidopterists and naturalists.