A SHIMMER OF BUTTERFLIES
Nothing is more beautiful than a field covered with monarch butterflies — in fact, a field full of any butterfly species is quite magical. Recognized across cultures as a symbol of hope and rebirth, this lovely creature is the subject of A Shimmer of Butterflies. A photographic trove for young readers, the book focuses on the butterfly's amazing life cycle. With 43 gorgeous color photos, it shows the process of metamorphosis; the incredible migration of the monarch which spans generations; the threats posed from the loss of habitat; and more. The book presents numerous interesting facts for young readers including everything from how a butterfly's body parts help it to live uniquely to how these amazing navigators determine their flight patterns.
"The photography is as thrilling as that taken for National Geographic and comparable publications. The text shimmers with intriguing scientific information while providing solid data for home or school research…The stunning pictures and fact-filled text should spur readers of all ages to plant butterfly gardens, visit butterfly reserves, and appreciate their beauty and labors when they flit by." — ForeWord Magazine
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Secrets of Butterflies and Moths:
- A tiny caterpillar has multiple pairs of legs and one thousand muscles to help it move.
- Some moths, like the huge moon moth, don't eat or drink a thing during their lives. They live on fat they stored up as caterpillars.
- Many butterflies sip on urine, sweat, and slug slime. Others drink sap and rotting fruit. Sounds gross, but they need salts, proteins, and other nutrients not found in nectar.
- The mating of moths and butterflies is all about smell—but they have no noses. Instead, they catch scent with their antennae. A male silk moth can detect a female "calling" him at a distance of nearly three miles.
- One moth species dines on nothing but the liquid around the eyes of cattle.
- Moths, butterflies, and caterpillars are miniature masters of disguise. They can look like decaying leaves; bees; hummingbirds; or even bird droppings!
- To defend themselves, caterpillars shoot venom, wave smelly tentacles, and display poisonous spines.
- Butterflies can be speed demons. The giant skipper can fly in bursts up to 42 miles per hour!
- Because birds usually strike at a butterfly's head, some species wear eyespots and a fake "head" on their hindwings.
- Moths and butterflies are a pretty quiet bunch. But one species of butterfly makes a clicking noise as it flies. It's called the Cracker or Calico butterfly.
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To Learn More:
- Xerces Society, 4828 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland OR 97215. Website: www.xerces.org
- North American Butterfly Association, 4 Delaware Rd, Morristown NJ 07960. Website: www.naba.org
- Young Entomologists' Society (Y.E.S.), 6907 W. Grand River Ave, Lansing MI 48906. Website: www.member.aol.com/YESbugs
- Audubon Society. Website: www.audubon.org
- Earthwatch Institute, 3 Clock Tower Place, #100, Maynard MA 01754. Website: www.earthwatch.org
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