A Descriptive Handbook of Indian Butterflies

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Entomology or the study of arts offers great possibilities of advancing our knowledge about living organisms that might be extremely useful in the lives of human beings as well provides an excellent pastime for lovers of nature who can derive immense pleasure from the collections of different species of beautiful creatures like butterflies.

Chas B. Antrams excellent book on India's butterflies is both a guidebook for those interested in collecting species of butterflies as well as a textbook for students of Entomology who can pick up the basics of this branch of learning from its pages. The author is modest about his presentation but keen Entomologists have found enough merit in this book first published in 1924. The chief objective of the book according to the author, has been to show an illustration of different species described excepting a few only which very closely resemble one another. The illustrations, very pains takingly and competently done by the author himself, make the description of the species easily comprehensible.

This valuable book has been put together after a devoted study of butterflies in different parts of India for over 20 years and interaction with innumerable collectors of butterflies. All available texts on butterflies had been consulted by Antram during the course of his research in coordination with such prestigious Institutions like the Bombay Natural History Society. A note on the collecting and preservation of butterflies is equally useful for individual collectors and school and college museums or laboratories. The Index is very helpful for easy reference of particular species.

The chief object of this work has been to show an illustration of every species described excepting a few only which very closely resemble one another, with a view to placing in the hands of the uninitiated (besides those who have already some knowledge of the subject) a means whereby easy identification of the different forms can be made. In addition to the illustrations short descriptions as to coloring, etc., are given and technicalities have been avoided as far as possible in order that the beginner and those with little previous knowledge of Entomology may find everything of plain sailing. At the same time, in order to keep down the price of the volume and so bring it within the scope of everyone's pocket it has not been possible to figure these brilliant creatures in color. The black and white illustrations, however, will be found sufficient for the purpose of easy identification.

While the "Blues and Skippers" have not been included, every known species of the remaining families, as also those forms of Parnassius and other genera occurring across the Indian Frontier in Thibet, are described. Many new species have been recently discovered and their inclusion in this work brings their cataloguing up to date. For the present this first volume is published but it is hoped that a second volume dealing with the "Blues and Skippers" will follow in due course. In the early pages will be found introductory notes as to the terminology used throughout this work and also on the collecting and preservation of butterflies in India advocating a ready and in- expensive method to those interested in this most delightful hobby of keeping their collections in a practical manner.

**Contents and Sample Pages**