Description

The Zygaenidae are a family of day-flying moths with an unusual biology - they are capable of releasing prussic (hydrocyanic) acid. All Australian species belong to the subfamily Procridinae (commonly known as foresters) and many of these feature iridescent green colours or a wasp-like look. This is the first study of the Australian fauna of these attractive and biologically interesting moths.

In this volume their beauty is captured larger-than-life in 114 finely detailed portraits by acclaimed artist Frantisek Gregor, setting a new benchmark for moth illustrations. Comprehensive general chapters discuss zygaenid morphology, biology, phylogeny and classification, with considerable new information of world-wide relevance.

The book then provides in-depth treatments of the 10 genera and 43 species present in Australia, including 4 genera and 21 species new to science. It features keys to genera and species, photos of genitalia of both sexes and other diagnostic structures, and distribution maps for all species. Additionally, there are 8 pages of colour photographs and over 400 photos of microscopic structures, including more than a hundred spectacular scanning electron micrographs.

Features

Features 57 colour plates with 114 detailed colour paintings by acclaimed artist Frantisek Gregor. Each species is illustrated, many at 10 times their original size. Additionally, there are 7 plates of colour photographs of live moths, caterpillars and habitats, and over 400 photos of microscopic structures, including over 100 spectacular scanning electron micrographs.
Gives an up-to-date classification of Australian zygaenids at generic and specific level, with keys to identify all Australian zygaenid species.
Provides in-depth treatments of the 10 genera and 43 species present in Australia, putting the Australian zygaenids into context with the world fauna.
Includes comprehensive chapters on morphology (including immatures), biology, phylogeny and classification, which will be useful for investigations of zygaenid biology and chemoecology.