Genus Datana

Treats 1300 species found in the eastern United States and Canada.

Covell's work has long been sought after, and his earlier guide has sold for over $100 in the used book market. Publication of this book puts him back in the affordable category!

Note, 7/18/2005: Amazon doesn't seem to list this book, but the Virginia Museum of Natural History says they have it and the price is $40.00.

Dover reprint of this classic can be found used. Worth having for the many illustrations of adults and larvae. All adults illustrated are all in color, Many more larvae are illustrated than in Covell's guide. Taxonomy has changed, so interpreting plates can be interesting. Also has very good information on life history, such as pupation sites, host plants.

Overviews of each region of the state, more detailed sections on habitats such as mountain ranges, deserts, and canyons, and very specific information on individual locations - you'll find out which side of a gulch gets the morning sunlight and how far down a creek the swallowtails puddle.

Other chapters discuss where to go and what to look for in each month of the year (in February, willow ragwort flowers near Sonoita Creek attract Arizona Dusky-Wings), provide brief descriptions of many species of butterflies and skippers, and review the state's butterfly gardens.

You can download a pdf of this publication for free from the
University of Missouri Extension site. A printed version is also available from the above link for $3.