The Butterflies of Afghanistan

Description:

Afghanistan is one of the least studied countries in the Palaearctic region for its Lepidoptera. Large endemism makes this country particularly attractive to taxonomists and researchers, but collecting of entomological material, and butterflies in particular, has always been very restricted because of military and political reasons. Afghanistan is a mountain country (about 80% territory) with the highest altitudes in the eastern part of country (the highest peak is Noshaq, 7492 m). There are famous the Hindukush mountains with the highest level of endemism in the Palaearctic region. This book includes 348 species, the second largest number, after Pakistan, in the series 'The Butterflies of Palaearctic Asia'. Includes descriptions of two new subspecies. The author consulted collections of the SMNK, ZMHU, MZMB, HNHM and many others museums and private collections for study and photography during the preparation of this book. Special attention was given to the examination of types. Almost all type specimens of butterflies described from Afghanistan were studied, photographed and illustrated on the colour plates, which include 4000 photos. This book will be useful for all those interested not only in the Palaearctic fauna but also that of the Oriental region.