Butterflies—Favorite Visitors to Flowers and Gardens

Butterflies capture our imaginations. From the miraculous metamorphosis to their intricate wing patterns, these amazing insects inspire feelings of wonder and adoration. Butterflies are among the most charismatic and widely recognizable insects in the world. Their beauty and allure have fascinated people and cultures for millennia.

Many are relatively large and easily identified by their prominent wings, which are covered in a myriad of flattened, overlapping, and often brightly colored scales.

While the vast majority of butterfly diversity occurs in the tropics, North America is home to around 700 different species. In the U.S., Florida and the mountainous West are home to the most butterfly species. Did you know that they can see more of the visible spectrum than almost any animal and can even see ultraviolet light (UV)?

In his new book, acclaimed author and entomologist Jaret C. Daniels brilliantly portrays butterflies from across the United States through a one-of-a-kind collection of images. Along with full-color photography, Jaret shares his expert insights, including such fascinating facts as the Monarchs’ incredible migration and how they use their feet to taste.

The presented information seasons your understanding and enhances your enjoyment of these beloved bugs. This book is perfect for anyone who treasures nature, and it promises to delight as it walks you through the world of butterflies.

About the author: Jaret C. Daniels, Ph.D., is a professional nature photographer, author, native plant enthusiast, and entomologist at the University of Florida, specializing in insect ecology and conservation. He has authored numerous scientific papers, popular articles, and books on gardening, wildlife conservation, insects, and butterflies, including butterfly field guides for Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Ohio, and Michigan. He is also coauthor of the Wildflowers of Florida Field Guide. Jaret lives in Gainesville, Florida, with his wife, Stephanie.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like to read Jaret’s post The Elegant Life Cycle of a Butterfly or order your copy of the book now!

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