Moths A Complete Guide to Biology and Behavior

Accessible introduction to the biology, life cycle, natural history, and classification of moths Moths are a crucial insect group encompassing more than 160,000 species, and they are among the most ancient of Earth's inhabitants, with some fossils believed to be 190 million years old. This richly illustrated guide to their biology, evolution, and history demonstrates the incredible diversity of these winged insects and reveals some of their ruthless survival tactics--including blood-sucking moths, cannibalism in the cocoon, and carnivorous caterpillars. The book also explores their extraordinary life cycle, charting the development from egg to larva to cocoon to airborne adult, as well as the surprising variations of color and wing patterns that have evolved in moths. Engaging narrative and specially commissioned photographs of moth specimens make Moths a perfect gift book for scientists and science enthusiasts alike.